By Bri Brands  

Third-year University of Iowa student Grace Lin's life path changed when she took her first class in the Department of Classics.  

That course, Ancient Origins of Religious Conflict, altered her trajectory from a biology and human physiology student to being a double major in ancient civilizations and religious studies.  

"It changed not only my view on the world, it changed my view on college too," she said. "I didn't realize I could enjoy taking classes so much."  

After taking the jump, she immersed herself in her newfound passion, participating in extracurricular events such as Church Crawls, a trip to the Amana colonies, a cemetery walk, monthly lunches with the Department of Religious Studies, and becoming an undergraduate teaching assistant—all things she never thought possible.  

"I didn't realize how much more fulfilling it is to be able to work with professors who have so much passion for what they teach and for them to promote and encourage you," Lin said. "It's a place for everyone. It's a place where anyone can thrive when they have the passion for it, and it's easy to find that passion."