Morgan Sillings ’24 has always been fascinated by history. Unlike other kids who wanted to throw a party or go to an amusement park for their birthdays, Morgan begged her mom to take her to the Grand Rapids Public Museum to see a Titanic exhibit when she turned 13. In middle school, she dragged her mom to see a documentary about World War II veterans—an era that has always captured her interest.
“I was the only young person sitting in that theater,” Morgan says.
A Winding Path to Passion
Though history has always been her passion, it took her a while to pursue it. After high school, she earned her associate’s degree in general studies from a community college. And then the pandemic happened. So rather than being cooped up at home, Morgan traveled to Alaska to attend a Bible institute, where she earned a two-year Bible certificate before transferring to Grace Christian University to finish her bachelor’s degree.
“Coming to Grace was the best decision I ever made,” Morgan says. At Grace, she pursued psychology because at first, it seemed more practical. But she made sure to fill up all her electives with history classes. Morgan’s heart wasn’t in psychology—but nobody had even suggested pursuing a history degree, until she met Grace’s history professor, Dean Dykstra. The way he taught history and his engagement with the class captured Morgan’s attention. He noticed and seized the opportunity to support her passion for history.
Encouragement That Changed Everything
“I remember feeling discouraged one day about history, and Dean said, ‘Whatever you don’t know, the gaps will be filled with your enthusiasm for what you’re doing.’”
It was Professor Dykstra who helped her switch to interdisciplinary studies with a minor in history—but it didn’t end there. He connected Morgan with Erin Schmitz, the historic sites director at Hackley & Hume Historic Site Museum. With a new degree path and an exciting connection, timing aligned just right and Morgan became an intern at the museum, where everyone is a history nerd.
“It’s like I’m geeking out over this stuff, but I’m really not because everyone is a geek for history here,” Morgan says.
“We never have to apologize for geeking out,” Erin Schmitz says. “We are in like company.”
Where Calling and Career Meet
As part of her internship, Morgan researched the Hackley family and their surrounding history. She finished training and even led tours as an intern. She learned the information well enough to have a conversation about it, instead of simply memorizing content. Morgan was also involved in conducting inventory of the over five thousand items in the house, individually numbered and photographed. Morgan’s internship even materialized into a full-time position, and she became a part of the Hackley & Hume House staff, leading tours and even playing a role in the organization’s live Clue Game event. She thanks God for giving her lifelong friends, providing a church family, a place to live, and for the internship that affirmed and fueled her passion for history.
“Everything I have now is because I came to Grace.”
Emma Wodowski ’25 is a student in the communication program and plans to pursue non-profit work after graduation. Emma’s greatest passion is to serve Christ and hear how the Lord works to spread His truth and love to the world.
Read more stories like this in The Journey Magazine | Spring 2025 >
