News
Staff Spotlight: Rebecca Gartland ‘17 (Music) and Addison Pak ‘19 (Exercise Science)
Meet two passionate and energetic employees: Rebecca “Becca” Gartland '17 (Music) and Addison "Addie" Pak '19 (Exercise Science). They not only completed their undergraduate degrees here, but have also become instrumental in shaping the university's spirit and future on the undergraduate Admissions team.
Becca (left) and Addie at this year's New Student Orientation
Becca curates unforgettable experiences as the Campus Experience and Events Coordinator. Meanwhile, Addie serves prospective students as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
Their stories are living testimonies to the profound impact of education. We invite you to learn more about their inspiring journeys at Roberts Wesleyan University.
What brought you to Roberts for your undergraduate degree?
Becca: I was only considering a couple schools and had a really good audition experience. Dan Barta, who was the Music Department Chair at the time, really cared about me as a musician and invested in knowing my story. And that was something that I wanted to be a part of.
Becca accompanying the chorale
Addie: There were just some things I really prioritized in a school. One of them was Christian faith.
I also love that we have a strong cross-country program. I wasn't originally looking for a NCAA DII school, but then I ended up really loving being DII and all the opportunities that brought.
Addie and her parents
What’s one of your favorite memories you have working with the Admissions team?
Becca: There's a lot of great memories. For example, we do a lot of different things, which I think makes the job fun. At least for me, I like having some variability day-to-day, season to season.
I also love our event days. We’re super goofy together, especially at the end of a long day. I love our energy and excitement.
Becca, Addie, and coworkers wrapping up an event
Addie: I love that we work hard and also get together after work. Often people work together all day but never do things outside of work. We do that a lot because we’re not just coworkers, we are friends!
It’s also fun to travel with our team. For example, I attended the NACCAP fair with my co-assistant director, Branwyn. I was completely caught off guard when I learned I won the 2022 Rookie of the Year award. I felt so very grateful. Glory be to God!
Addie and Branwyn attending the NACCAP fair
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Addie: It's incredibly rewarding to see students starting to believe in the possibility of actually coming to college. I try to give them hope and encouragement.
I love seeing the possibilities and opportunities start flooding their mind… It's been a really incredible experience to have those students who came from the perspective of, "I don't think I can go to college in general" go to "Wow, I'm actually going to a private four-year university."
Becca: For me, I think it's creating a really customized experience. I picture a nervous student who only comes because Mom made them and then seeing them really connecting with their tour guide and asking lots of questions. It’s really fun to see people find their fit here.
How do you two work together to ensure the events complement the admissions process?
Becca: Our office works together all the time. We have visitors every day which rely heavily on my team. Sometimes I have to change the schedule on the fly. We’re constantly adjusting and covering for each other and helping each other out. On event days, it's very much 100% all hands on deck.
Addie: I couldn't do what I do without Becca's component! We definitely rely on each other to make sure we give the students everything that they need to know about Roberts during their time on campus.
Addie, can you tell us about Ryder’s rise to stardom?
Addie: I don't even really remember how it started. I just started talking about my dog Ryder to my coworkers, sharing things about him, and then I brought him to campus.
It turned into us saying, “wouldn't it be funny you know to send out an Admissions email from Ryder?” and how this could be a fun way to connect with students who love dogs.
A screenshot from a “Junior Newsletter” email
Becca, do you have any pets?
Becca: Two kitties! Miles (left) is very intelligent and sneaky. Theo is cute. And that’s really all he’s got going for him!
What does “character education” mean to you?
Addie: From my own experience, it has to include professors who care. That impacts your education here. It’s not regurgitating information, it's understanding how the information will transform your character, work ethic, and career.
Addie and her teammates in her senior year
Becca: I like the language of “the whole person” because it's investing in every single part of someone, and we are even able to do that spiritually here, which is unique and I think really valuable.
I remember one day as a student I was just too stressed to work in class. I remember my teacher said, "Okay, let's stretch and talk about it, and if we need to take the first 15 minutes of our lesson to do that, that's more important to me.”
The people aren't just about filling your brain with knowledge, they want you to be a good human.
Becca in Roberts’ opera performance of Cinderella as the Fairy Godmother
Addie: Here’s a story of how I felt cared for as a whole person.
In my freshman year, I went to one of my professors and said, "College is harder than I thought it would be. I don’t know how to study." And she went through my entire class schedule and helped me slot in time to study, rest, and how to manage priorities. "Okay, this day, study for this class; this day, study for that class." And so on.
It was so helpful even to have a professor go through and kind of outline my semester with me to make sure I knew how to plan to avoid burnout . That was really huge to make sure I was being cared for as a whole person.
What advice would you give to a student (and family) searching for the right college?
Becca: You really do have to visit the college. Visit when there are students around. See if you can envision yourself there. Every college is different, so you have to experience it yourself. How do people treat you? How are the students interacting with each other?
Addie: On top of that, visit a university that's not on your radar or one that you think you won't care for. You might be surprised at what you end up liking.