Graduating from college is a huge achievement. It comes with challenges and rewards, tears and laughter, struggle and growth. At NNU, we’re so proud of all our seniors that make it across the stage to receive their diplomas. And though we can’t speak to all of them, a few did share their thoughts, feelings, memories and plans with us. Meet Paris, Nils, Erica and Ben from the graduating Class of 2023.
Paris Mattox | Social Work & Management
NNU: How does it feel to be graduating from NNU?
Paris: I’m so excited to finally see all the hard work pay off, and I’m so grateful for my time spent here at NNU. I can’t wait to see all the things that are coming up in the future.
NNU: What is your favorite memory from your time at NNU?
Paris: I have so many wonderful memories here, but my favorite and the ones I’m most grateful for are all my friends that I have met here along the way. Every single person has impacted me in such an incredible way, and I’m so thankful for all those memories shared with them.
NNU: What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned while at NNU?
Paris: The most valuable thing I’ve learned is that you are capable of anything and that all things are possible. I never thought I would have the opportunities I did while I was here, but NNU gave me a space to reach those goals, and I’m so thankful for those experiences.
NNU: What future plans do you have, career or otherwise?
Paris: I plan on staying here in the Treasure Valley, focusing on finding a career in case management and working on getting my master’s degree in the near future.
Nils Knosala | Global Business & Management
NNU: How does it feel to be graduating from NNU?
Nils: It honestly is an overwhelming feeling. Being the first in my family to graduate from college and also being able to do so in a different country. I came here 3 years ago as a 19-year-old boy and leave as an independent 22-year-old young man. This experience will always stick with me throughout my whole life, and it made me the person I am today. Knowing that my first real job, a new chapter of my life is starting June 1st back in Germany is positively exciting and a huge opportunity for me.
NNU: What is your favorite memory from your time at NNU?
Nils: My favorite memory over the last 3 years of being an NNU student will probably only come up this weekend. My parents, whose background is growing up in Poland and Tajikistan, who both came to Germany as teenagers, are here visiting me in the U.S. It’s their first time being here after not knowing the German language back in the day and building everything up from scratch to now helping me fulfill my dreams and support me on my college journey. Them being here and seeing me graduate makes me really emotional but also proud. I am just so thankful to have them, such a wonderful family.
NNU: Is there anything else you can think of that would be worth knowing about your NNU journey?
Nils: I made a great friend from the first day of my arrival. Lukas Juodkūnaitis. We had great chemistry right away and lived together the whole three years. I think it was good for both of us to experience this journey together. I am thankful that I got to know him, and I can proudly say that I made a friend for life. Not only him, but I made a lot of friends. I really can say NNU felt like a family to me. I am blessed that I’ve got the chance to be a part of it! Thank you, honestly!
NNU: What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned while at NNU?
Nils: The most valuable thing I learned at NNU is that things will not always go my way. There are situations in life where it is hard, and I had times I didn’t feel that well. Often times I felt homesick, and it wasn’t always that easy to be fully on my own here while my beloved ones were 8,000 miles and 8 hours of time difference away from me. In the end, I knew that I am not alone even though the distance separated us. I tried to never let my ambitions down and stay focused, looking at the bigger picture and what my actions will have for an outcome later on, talking about school and sports. In Germany, we say: “When one door closes, a new one is already opening up!” I know now that these situations in life in which everything seems impossible and overwhelming will just be experiences I’ll learn from. They all are and were valuable!
NNU: What future plans do you have, career or otherwise?
Nils: First of all, I want to get a good start in my new job in the summer. I want to settle back in and get used to being at home. I will definitely enjoy the time with friends and family. Also, I will continue playing soccer, my passion and love since I was a young kid. I will never lose the ambition to be a great soccer player, and it will hopefully bring me joy for many years to come! On top of that, I am looking forward to being with my girlfriend in a bit and finally being done with a 3-year long distance relationship which also was challenging at times. I think she is looking forward to my arrival too! 😉
Erica Slemmer | Applied Studies, emphasis in Communication & Psychology minor
NNU: How does it feel to be graduating from NNU?
Erica: Exciting but also sad because this has become my home for the last four years.
NNU: What is your favorite memory from your time at NNU?
Erica: I can’t choose just one because my favorite has been all the friends I have made and the times we spent together.
NNU: What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned while at NNU?
Erica: That I can do anything I put my mind to. Even when it seems too daunting.
NNU: What future plans do you have, career or otherwise?
Erica: I will be pursuing my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Indiana Wesleyan this fall.
Ben Michael Schaefer | Youth Ministry
NNU: How does it feel to be graduating from NNU?
Ben: I am excited to be graduating and to officially start my ministry career, but these 4 years have gone by way too fast, and I will miss everyone here on campus.
NNU: What is your favorite memory from your time at NNU?
Ben: Any time I was playing drums for worship. I have been incredibly blessed to work with amazing people through chapel bands, Timeout and the NNU Collective, and getting to glorify God by playing the instrument I love is something I will cherish forever.
NNU: What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned while at NNU?
Ben: The most valuable thing I learned here at NNU is how I can make a difference for God’s kingdom. Coming in, youth ministry was my only objective, but I now see that I want to be involved in worship ministry, college ministry and pastoral counseling, as well as taking time to help out with local events wherever I move to so I can stay involved in my community.
NNU: What future plans do you have, career or otherwise?
Ben: For the next 3 years, I will be working for the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT), an organization that partners with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (APTS). During these 3 years, I will be a youth pastor at a church where I can dive right into ministry with many resources to help my young ministry career, and I will take online seminary courses through APTS so I can pursue a master’s degree in Youth Ministry. I am currently interviewing with 2 churches in Alabama and Georgia, and I should hopefully have a decision made by the end of May, and I will move to either location by mid-July.
Congratulations to all of our 2023 NNU graduates!
