For graduates, relationships made at Bethel can go on to be integral to their adult lives. For Andrew ‘07 and Anna (Salazar) Conrad ‘08, their group of Bethel friends is now having a generational impact.
Andrew met his wife, Anna, at Bethel and developed a close group of ten friends over their student years. They kept in touch after graduation and going their separate ways, even when the Conrad’s spent a few years in Mexico as missionaries. After returning in 2015, Andrew suggested getting the group together in person, and the answer was a unanimous “yes”.
They spent a long weekend catching up, talking about their futures, encouraging each other and praying for one another. Andrew still calls that first meeting one of the most meaningful memories he has of the group.
“We spent time being honest, praying, and talking about the real stuff.” He recalls. “Being able to talk to each other with that kind of depth was such a treasure.”
The experience was so positive that they decided to meet again the following year, and then the next, and the next – and the summer of 2025 was their tenth year in a row. Together they have walked through job losses, family challenges, major moves, and collectively added 18 children to their families! While they would normally take a weekend away with just the adults, on their tenth anniversary they decided to spend a week in Tennessee with all the kids. It was like one giant family gathering, passing down the joy of Chrisitan community to the next generation.
Looking back, Andrew says that taking advantage of the opportunities to build relationships with a strong foundation was the most impactful part of his college career.
“The older we get, the more we see the value of these relationships and community.” he says, “You have to invest in it, but the return you get can’t be calculated, it’s a jewel.”
To current students, Andrew advises that they be intentional now with who they surround themselves with, and take advantage of the opportunities to build strong relationships. Choose your people carefully, serve together, travel together, and stay intentional, and the impact on your life could last for generations.