µÂÓ®ÌåÓý

Sarah Holler

Graduation Year

2025

Hometown/Where You Call Home

Kure Beach, NC

Major

Elementary Education

How did you hear about Covenant and why did you choose Covenant?

Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to go to a Christian College, and when the time came for me to start looking at schools, I was one of those students who randomly googled, "Pretty Christian College in the Georgia Mountains" into the search engine. Covenant popped up, and it seemed to check all my boxes in a campus. I scheduled a visit later in the year, and the minute I stepped on campus, I was struck with how incredible the atmosphere and the community were. People genuinely cared about me and my story, and took time out of their day to make sure that I was seen, heard, and loved. I instantly knew that Covenant was the real deal, and with prayer I knew the lord was calling me to study at this institution.

What aspect of Covenant do you like best?

My favorite part of Covenant is the community. When I was younger, I prayed so hard for a strong community, and genuine friends who would uplift, encourage, and push me and my faith beyond my limits. The Lord gifted me with more than I asked for when He brought me to Covenant. In my three years so far, I have met lifelong friends, grown in my faith, and have experienced what it means to live in community with my brothers and sisters in Christ. In my time at Covenant I have been gifted a family that has walked alongside me in my worst days, and were there to rejoice with me in the special moments. I will hold on to the memories I have made while Being at Covenant forever. I would not be who I am today without my friends, leaders, coaches, teammates, and professors at Covenant who walked with me through the different phases of being a young adult in college.

What about the professors and/or academics has impacted you the most?

The professors and classes here at µÂÓ®ÌåÓý are exceptional. I have been influenced by them in more ways than I can count. I have learned what it means to be a Christian who is living and working in the sinful world around me, and have been challenged and pushed to explore what I believe and why. The Professors are patient, loving, and willing to do just about anything to see their students flourish. What a blessing it is to be seen, heard, loved, and pursued by my professors. It is such a blessing to be at an institute that places such a strong emphasis on relationships and mentorship between student and professor.

What part of your major do you most enjoy or feel most prepared by?

I believe that the education department does an outstanding job at preparing students for teaching post- graduation. While being educated by Covenant I feel very ready to be in a classroom of my own, and handle various forms of adversity that comes with teaching. As an education major, throughout the years we walk through what it means to practically teach with a biblical perspective ensuring that every student is seen as an image bearer of our King. I feel well equipped to teach in diverse school settings, and empowered to share the light of the gospel especially in spiritually dark places and cultures around the world. I love how direct my classes are and how we deep dive into common issues and sensitive topics that could be easy to tiptoe around. I have been so blessed to hear so many different viewpoints on education, issues within the educational system, and the history of how we got to twenty-first century schools.

What do you hope to pursue after Covenant and how do you see Covenant supporting your future career or calling?

I feel very called to overseas missions, and would love to be teaching in an international school when I graduate. I know that teaching in an international setting can be very difficult, and with that everything I have learned at covenant will supplement what the lord is calling me to do with the rest of my life. I Know without a doubt that my professors, mentors, and peers will be praying for me throughout my life and will always be there for me no matter where in the world I will end up.

How is Covenant equipping you for active membership in the church or discipleship within the body of Christ?

Covenant has developed in me an eagerness to serve others and my community. While being on a campus where everyone is very intentional, It is hard for me not to long for ways to be plugged in. Covenant has equipped me for leadership by placing strong leaders in front of me to disciple me and help me grow in areas that I need to be strengthened in. Pursuing leadership at covenant, has enabled me to reach out and to become a more active member of the body of christ though service with my church.

In what ways does Covenant foster spiritual formation that stands out to you?

Covenant does a wonderful job at fostering spiritual formation. What stands out to me is all the opportunities that Covenant offers students to engage with others and have thoughtful discussions about spirituality and other issues and topics.

How has the Covenant community supported your development as a whole person?

As an incoming Freshman I was just a mess. I remember feeling very prideful, ignorant, and very attention seeking. As I was finishing up my freshman year and entering my sophomore year, the lord humbled me hard. Although I could not see what he was doing in the midst of suffering, I now know that he was growing me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. It was the times where I was at rock bottom, where the lord gave me such sweet friendships and support. Looking back, I was blessed to have people who loved me by walking alongside me. These friends, RAs, RDs, professors, and coaches pushed me to seek Jesus and run to him in the midst of darkness. Their influence over my life, directed me towards resources that Covenant offers which helped me physically, emotionally, and mentally get through tough seasons of deep processing and healing.

How have your relationships at Covenant shaped your expectations for the other communities God will call you to in life?

My relationships with other students who I have met while being at Covenant have inspired me to strive for a Christ-centered community. While being a Resident Assistant at Covenant, I have seen what it means to cultivate community firsthand and I can say that it is beautiful. Because of this experience, I will strive to take what I have learned about building community and discipling others with me into wherever the Lord calls me to go next once I graduate. I will never forget the impact that my residence halls have had on me during my time at Covenant. It is something so special to witness a community of Christians who are willing to be vulnerable, walk in forgiveness, have grace, be there to laugh with, hold you when you cry, and most importantly to incorporate what the true meaning of family is.

What is your favorite memory from your time at Covenant?

My time at Covenant has been a swirl of so many different memories. These memories stem from cherished time on my different residence halls, my cross country and track team, and my time on staff as an RA in Andreas Hall. Although I can not come up with one, main overarching favorite memory, I will always remember the joy and the laughter that I have experienced so frequently. I will cherish the late night heart to hearts with close friends and roommates, Laughing uncontrollably about absolutely nothing, hard workouts with my team, and being a part of a staff that has shown me the definition of what it means to love, honor, and serve one another. These are the moments that I will look back upon and smile. I will never forget the time that I have spent here at µÂÓ®ÌåÓý, and I will continue to make the most of every moment in the time remaining, because I know that I will miss this sweet season of my life.