Emma Nottingham
Graduation Year
2025
Hometown/Where You Call Home
Indianapolis, IN
Major
Community Development
How did you hear about Covenant and why did you choose Covenant?
In 2022, I felt called to drop out of nursing school at Purdue University. I had no idea where the Lord was leading me, all I knew was that I needed to obey. I prayed fervently for wisdom and discernment as to what I was supposed to do next. As I was looking for schools, I made a commitment to read every single description of majors offered at the given school. When I was looking at the majors offered at Covenant, I went through Accounting to Biology to Computer Science芒鈧hen I came across Community Development. I nearly skipped over it because I thought it was architecture, yet I read on. Once I read what the Community Development major would hold for me, I instantly applied to Covenant and moved to Lookout Mountain one month later in the Spring of 2023.
What aspect of Covenant do you like best?
德赢体育 has not only been the school that I study at, but it has been my home. I have lived amongst my best friends, had life-giving discussions, learned under the care of my humble and kind professors, and been encouraged to live my life as an act of worship. It is also where I met my fellow Covenant alum fiance, with whom I will live out all that I have learned in our family, built upon Jesus Christ. Covenant College has been the place that has perpetuated my relational and spiritual growth.
What about the professors and/or academics has impacted you the most?
Throughout my time at Covenant, I had several hard seasons, particularly when it came to matters at home. The grace, patience, and kindness that was extended to me by my professors was nothing short of astonishing. Their care for me as their student is something I intend to carry throughout my life in my family, workplace, church, and community.
What part of your major do you most enjoy or feel most prepared by?
Since my first day of Theory of Community Development, my favorite aspect of my major has been the gentle, but sometimes brutal, call to humility. Studying the sufferings of others brings you to your knees at the feet of the father. This major, through the work of the Holy Spirit, gave me eyes to see and ears to hear the Biblical command to care for the vulnerable. The inescapable and unconditional love the Father has for his children is impossible to ignore; anything interfering with the flourishing of God鈥檚 children should be abhorrent to us leading us to love through our actions. This starts with humility.
What do you hope to pursue after Covenant and how do you see Covenant supporting your future career or calling?
After graduation in May and my wedding following two weeks after, I have not quite decided what career to pursue. I have previously worked in relational ministry and healthcare which I have adored but I would love to potentially try something new whether be advocacy work, affordable housing, or refugee care.
How is Covenant equipping you for active membership in the church or discipleship within the body of Christ?
Living amongst my fellow believers have taught me so much about what it is to be an inheritor of the kingdom. No matter where I live, where I work, or where I worship I will not be able to escape broken and sinful people; and thank God for that. Covenant has taught me how I cannot experience flourishing without being an active member of the greater body of Christ. They need me and I them. You can count on suffering, brokenness, hurt, and sin to be present in any church, that is when the insurmountable grace of God enters in.
In what ways does Covenant foster spiritual formation that stands out to you?
I have had the privilege to serve as RA on The Haven in Founders for my final year at Covenant. Being able to witness the behind the scenes of Student Development芒鈧劉s heart for the spiritual formation and growth of Covenant students was inspiring. They encouraged me to be a leader and a vessel for spiritual growth amongst my hall. RAs at Covenant have a really hard job, but they get to be on the front lines of fostering and receiving spiritual growth in some of our most formative years.
How has the Covenant community supported your development as a whole person?
When your community lives about two feet away from you, it is hard not to have your whole person affected. My community at Covenant has seen my darkest and brightest moments and everything in between. They have celebrated papers I have turned in, mourned my parents' divorce, held me while I cried, laughed on Sonic runs, witnessed my engagement, sat as I submitted a job application, sat in silence when no words seemed to fit, and prayed over and for me. How could my whole person escape development here? Grace and love found me and I will never be the same.
How have your relationships at Covenant shaped your expectations for the other communities God will call you to in life?
My relationships at Covenant have spoiled me, I have no doubt about that. But my hope is that I will carry my community and its memory wherever God calls me. To constantly seek out and bring forth the kingdom is what my Covenant community has taught me.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Covenant?
One of my favorite memories at Covenant was when every single one of the girls on my hall appeared minutes after my engagement to take hall photos! Having every single one of them show up and hug me so tight after one of the happiest moments of my life is something I will never forget. To my Haven girls, thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your RA!