Home is where you hang your hat:
Yonathan Setiawan always wears a smile. His quiet demeanor is embraced by students at Bluffton and his presence has not gone unnoticed. Yonathan was raised with a Mennonite background in Indonesia, so when a Hesston College admissions counselor spoke with him something clicked and Yonathan found himself in the United States as a student. Having heard about Bluffton while at Hesston, Yonathan chose to attend Bluffton after completing his two year degree, and now says of Bluffton, “It’s my home right now, and I like it”.
Finding comfort in music:
Finding comfort in music, Yonathan loves to spend time in Mosiman, the music hall, playing piano or singing when college life takes its toll. The struggles for an international student are unique and aspects of life that American students take for granted take on a whole new meaning. Yonathan discusses the struggle of studying with the language barrier and different cultural norms. He gets over those frustrations through singing – something he has done his entire life. He does miss his family, but says that hanging out with friends and watching movies helps him to overcome those homesick feelings.
Future plans:
Yonathan would like to be a youth pastor in the future while continuing to study theology. Unsure of whether God is calling him stay in the U.S. or move back to Indonesia, Yonathan is prepared to serve wherever God would like him to be. He is certainly enjoying his time at Bluffton and sees the advantages of being an international student. Yonathan feels as though international students are able to see different talents in people and embrace differences. He knows that international students appreciate the opportunity to attend Bluffton and will give their best to the institution.
