Department of History - Meet Nick

Through history studies at Hope College, Nick ’26 learned about the Atayal tribe of Taiwan. He didn’t know that this lesson would turn into a passion that would open doors for him on campus and beyond.

“I became enthralled with the Atayal’s arduous journey to dignity and citizenship on the island of which they are natives,” he explained. “This story is replete with countless instances of God’s love. It’s an incredible story that deserves to be told.”

Nick did exactly that.

Through a faculty/student research partnership, Nick worked with Dr. Gloria Tseng, someone he admires and respects, to research the Atayal tribe over the course of eight challenging weeks. “My favorite memory was our morning meetings. Dr. Tseng and I would discuss everything to the smallest detail. We fine-tuned everything as a team,” he said.

As part of his research, Nick worked with a student from the Department of Social Work and Sociology to create an educational website about the Atayal tribe. “We curated the landing page, designed the layout and art style of the whole website, and wrote numerous articles complete with pictures and infographics. It’s organized, concise, accessible and, above all, interesting. I had to learn how to build a website. We experimented and tried new things,” he shared with pride.

He’s been impressed by the excellence of the history department’s faculty, research opportunities and more. “This research opportunity opened doors for scholarly growth,” he said. “It fostered meaningful collaboration and mentorship, profoundly shaping my skills and perspective both academically and personally.”

Now, Nick will help Dr. Tseng lead a department colloquium this spring on the Atayal. “This is an opportunity I could have only dreamed of before this project,” he explained.

Outside research, Nick is active on campus. He plays the horn in the Hope College Orchestra, serves as the president of Phi Alpha Theta, Hope’s revitalized history honor society, and studies the Gospels in their original language. His extracurricular activities and research experiences have been an excellent preparation for law school, which he plans to pursue after graduation.

In part, Nick credits donors like you in helping him find his purpose in historical study. “Your gift has created a space where I have been able to connect with the stories of others and reflect on my own place in the world,” he said gratefully. “Thank you for investing in something far greater than a project — thank you for investing in my life, my academic journey, and in the hope for which this school stands.”

Your gifts to the history department will allow students to teach the next generation of hungry learners. Will you open up these opportunities today?