Steps to Service

Growing up in Pella, Iowa, and later moving to Orange City, Iowa, Lucy Zylstra always had Dordt University on her radar. Her parents, along with a few aunts, uncles, and cousins, had attended Dordt, but for Zylstra, the decision to attend was also deeply personal. “I love Dordt's commitment to the Reformed Christian perspective and knew that my education would be centered around how Christ is Lord over all things,” Zylstra explains.

This foundation was important for her, especially with her desire to one day serve in the healthcare field. “Even in secular sciences, Christians have a valuable role, and I knew Dordt would educate me in how to interact well with others in the sciences.”

Zylstra can trace her interest in the healthcare field back to second grade, but in high school, she discovered that biology was her calling. However, she also felt a desire to understand more about public health. “God placed a strong calling on my heart to serve underprivileged populations abroad and here in the United States,” she shares. This led Zylstra to add a Public Health emphasis to her studies, deepening her understanding of health disparities and her calling to help others.

During her time at Dordt, Zylstra decided to pursue not one, but two majors: biology and psychology. “I’ve always had a heart for others, and studying both disciplines helped me understand the powerful connection between the mind and body,” she reflects. “I believe this understanding will tremendously improve the care I can provide for my patients someday.”

Pursuing two majors with ambitions to attend graduate school is a lot to juggle. Zylstra believes having supportive professors who are eager to see her succeed makes all the difference. “They are interested in my passions and interests and care about my learning,” she says.

One memorable experience throughout Zylstra’s education was the cadaver lab, a unique experience for Dordt students in pre-med programs. “Participating in cadaver dissection during Anatomy lab periods was a highlight of my biology coursework,” she recalls. “Seeing the intricacies of how God designs His image bearers provokes a sense of awe and reverence.”

Beyond Academics

Zylstra has remained committed to serving others through service trips, including Putting Love Into Action (PLIA) trips over spring break and A Mission Outreach (AMOR) in Tanzania. Zylstra says these trips broadened her perspective of God’s global redemptive work and strengthened her heart for service. “I have learned what it means to serve with humility,” says Zylstra. “Exploring new places through Dordt has been crucial to my education and sense of calling to participate in God's Kingdom work on earth.”

Last spring, Zylstra applied to Northwestern College’s Physician Assistant (PA) program, which was her first choice. With the Career Development Center’s help refining her personal statement and preparing for her interview, Zylstra felt confident in her application. Additionally, she “knew that if this was God's plan, He would bless it and let it come to fruition.” In early September, she received her acceptance into the program.

Reflecting on her spiritual growth, Zylstra says, “My biggest area of growth spiritually through being at Dordt is my trust in God's plan. I can make my own plans, but the Lord will determine my steps.”

“God has placed an immense calling on my heart to help abroad, to spread the Gospel, and participate in His redemptive work through healthcare,” she adds. “I don't know what that looks like quite yet, but I am excited to see what opportunities God puts before me. The future excites me.”