From Grand Rapids to the Big Apple: A Kuyper Student’s Summer of Faith, Art, and Exploration

While many students used summer to rest and recharge, others, like Kuyper College’s Nathanael Liberty, saw the season as a chance to grow. For Liberty, that meant leaving the familiar rhythms of the Midwest and heading to one of the most dynamic cities in the world: New York.

With a heart for learning and a desire to stretch his faith, Liberty spent the summer immersed in the energy of the city. His journey began with a dream, a suitcase, and the encouragement of Kuyper professor Dr. Anthony Bradley, who helped connect him to a local church community. That connection opened the door to a summer internship where Liberty could serve and grow while living out his Christian calling.

He also found housing with roommates and picked up part-time work to support himself, an experience that added to the lessons of independence and resilience.

A few weeks into his stay, Liberty was accepted into an art class that allowed him to further explore his creative side. Between assignments and shifts, he wandered the city’s streets, visited iconic landmarks, and captured moments through photography and video, documenting the color and character of New York life.

“Connecting with people, at the church and around the city, was my favorite part,” Liberty said. Those relationships, and the stories behind them, became one of the most meaningful parts of his summer.

As he prepared to return to campus for Summer Orientation and a new academic year, Liberty carried with him not just memories, but also growth—spiritual, creative, and personal.

“I was grateful for everything this summer had been,” he said. “But I was also really looking forward to coming home to Kuyper.”