Elizabeth Houston ’27 was drawn to Gettysburg College due to the experiential learning opportunities that our liberal arts and sciences education provides to students.
“I chose Gettysburg because of all the opportunities,” Houston explained, who is majoring in environmental studies and minoring in public history and educational studies. “This school gave me the chance to explore my passions while also working towards a career.”
Houston is an Abraham Lincoln Scholar and participates as a member of the Gettysburg College Choir, the ultimate frisbee team, and in programming at the Civil War Institute. Her most impactful experience at Gettysburg so far has been joining the Garthwait Leadership Center (GLC).
The GLC offers an array of opportunities and services to develop students’ leadership skills. Houston has particularly enjoyed the Leadership Certificate program and the Group Facilitation Fellowship. In addition, she serves as an outdoor facilitator and a member of the project team for Ascent, the College’s outdoor pre-Orientation program.
“Leadership is not only a skill that everyone has, but something that needs to be cultivated,” Houston said. “The GLC focuses on experiential education, so while there is a classroom component, we also go on hikes, backpacking trips, and the challenge course on campus.”
Houston has also benefited from the Gettysburg Approach, specifically the Guided Pathways and connecting with her own Personal Advising Team since arriving on campus. Houston credits the Gettysburg Approach for positioning her to succeed academically and introducing her to a wide range of co-curricular activities.
“The Gettysburg Approach helps students make decisions and learn the basic skills needed to become a good leader,” Houston shared. “From these experiences, Gettysburg College has given me the chance to explore many of my interests while also harnessing them to grow as a person. That’s the benefit of a Gettysburg education.”
Photo by Sophia Sofia Gutierrez ’26
Posted: 07/22/24