Erik Newhouse is a Colorado native, and a freshman at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Erik has not yet decided on a major, but his father Mark’s position with the Department of Veterans Affairs has influenced Erik’s desire to use his gifts and passions wherever he is led. “My father has strived to use his knowledge of Physical Therapy, his personality, and even his humor to help others”, Erik says. Erik’s career choices will also be greatly motivated by his faith, and currently he is searching for a church in his new town, to provide community and friendships, and to shape and guide his life decisions.

Erik’s favorite activities are outdoors oriented, such as mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, climbing, and snowboarding. Erik feels it is not the activities themselves that makes these things so enjoyable, but rather the community and interactions with people. It is the relationships formed there that he is passionate about. “No mountain bike ride is near as gratifying than as one with my dad.”