A Sense of Belonging

For some, entering college without a major might feel like a setback in planning, but Abigail Maldonado embraced the opportunity to explore her passions and find her calling. “I have a couple of hobbies and interests, but I felt that deciding something important like a major on an uncertain feeling wasn't right,” she says. “During that time of uncertainty, I had the freedom to explore new areas of studies.”

It was during her second semester on campus that she found her calling in graphic design and marketing.

One highlight in her studies at Dordt was her time in Design Theory (ART-201). Her class was the last to be taught from a digital perspective, as the course now focuses on the introduction of art principles through physical materials. “When I discovered I could draw and color an entire landscape in a digital format, I knew I was going to enjoy graphic design,” says Maldonado.

In the business program, Maldonado says Principles of Business (BUAD-205) has been a great way to gain hands-on experience: “I love how the content was based on real-life situations and because of the Bizcafe simulations, which are a cafe simulation on how to run a business.”

Outside of the classroom, Maldonado serves in leadership roles in Res Life and the Students Without Borders club, embracing opportunities to serve others and develop valuable skills. These experiences, according to Maldonado, have made her who she is. “Most people think that leadership means to be one authority and independent,” she says. “But a good leader depends on others, and this dependency leads to trust, and that combination leads to creating a strong foundation.”

Flourishing Identity

Not only have her experiences at Dordt allowed her opportunities to flourish as a servant leader, but she also has embraced the opportunity to share her heritage with others. As an international student, Maldonado wondered how her culture and values would fit in at Dordt. “There were so many things to learn in the American culture that it was hard to keep up with new cultural principles and mine,” she says.

Maldonado found the perfect opportunity to share and celebrate her heritage at the university's annual cultural fair. “It’s an event dedicated to all cultures at Dordt University, where the international program introduces cultures from all over the world to the Defender and Sioux Center community,” says Maldonado.

“As an international student, having an opportunity to teach my principles and my culture's values made me feel accepted in the small community of Sioux Center,” she adds. “My favorite part of the event is to see how we all connect and become one nation for one night event, though we are so different in many aspects.”

Maldonado grew up in a Christian home, but her time at Dordt has helped her make her faith her own. “Being at Dordt has made me realize just how fragile and insignificant life is without God’s presence.”

As a student, Maldonado quickly recognized how well her worldview aligned with the values at Dordt. “I really appreciate the concept of ‘every square inch,’” says Maldonado. “Through my time on campus, it has become clear to me that living as a testimony and expressing my faith in all aspects of life is the most powerful way to share God’s love with others.”

“I know I’m not perfect, and I don’t aim to be,” adds Maldonado. “But knowing it’s possible to live faithfully, even in my imperfections, encourages me to keep striving. Ultimately, I find peace in the truth that, even when I fail, God never does.”

After graduation, Maldonado plans to stay in the U.S. on a one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa to gain experience as a graphic designer. “Hopefully, in that one year, I can figure out where my best fit is as a graphic designer,” she says.

Her time at Dordt has provided her with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue this career path, and she’s excited to explore the opportunities ahead.