How Nick Collins uses the Bethel College radio station to connect with other students
Nick Collins combines music, community, and mental health awareness on Bethel College's KBCU-FM radio show.
Bethel College offers a unique opportunity for students to earn academic credit by participating in its radio station, KBCU-FM 88.1. This experience allows students to gain credit by hosting shows, playing various genres of music, or conducting interviews with individuals on campus. One such student taking advantage of this opportunity is Nick Collins.
Originally from Boise, Idaho, Collins was first introduced to Kansas while stationed at the McConnell Air Force Base, and later through his service with the National Guard. Before enrolling at Bethel, he also attended McPherson.
Currently a visual arts major and a member of the football team, Collins expressed how welcoming the Bethel community has been. “Bethel does the community aspect very well,” said Collins. “The inclusivity, no matter who you are or where you’re from, Bethel is very good at including you into their community.”
Collins also shared how the football team has made him feel at home, despite being one of the older students on campus. “All those guys, they crack jokes at me because I’m the old guy on campus, but I actually feel like I’m part of a team,” said Collins.
Though he acknowledges his physical limitations on the field, Collins values the camaraderie and positive experience. “I’m not really much of a player because I’m too old, too stiff, too slow, but it’s fun. The environment is just something I’d never thought I’d experience again.”
Outside of football, Collins has his radio show every Thursday evening from seven to nine. “For 15 to 20 minutes I’ll interview a student, asking them how they’re doing, trying to get to know them on a semi-personal level.” He then explained that post-interview he will play music, specifically classic rock.
“That’s kind of what I grew up listening to,” said Collins, who shared that when growing up, he and his father figure bonded over and shared a love for rock music.
“It’s very fun being in the booth, listening to music, getting college credits just to talk to people and play music,” said Collins, who highlighted the variety of different ways a student can use their time while on air as well as suggestions made my faculty advisor for the radio show, Damon Klassen.
“If you need inspiration, he’s more than willing to give you an idea,” explained Collins. “It’s an open floor kind of thing, you can talk sports, you can do whatever you want as long as it’s appropriate.”
Hosting the show has also helped Collins step out of his comfort zone. “I’m an introvert by nature,” explained Collins, “but the radio show really helps pull me out of that,” he shared.
As someone who is naturally quiet, Collins mentioned how he likes to ask people in his classes who are quiet as well.
“I try to talk to them because being an introvert myself, I see those people that kind of sit by themselves and I’m like, hey, we got something in common, let’s talk a bit. I really enjoy talking to people, especially getting to know them.”
During interviews, Collins emphasizes the importance of active listening and making sure guests feel heard. “Eye contact and active listening,” explained Collins. “Making sure they can see that I’m thinking about what you’re saying because I’m trying to listen to understand, instead of just replying.”
“Making sure they can see that I’m thinking about what you’re saying because I’m trying to listen to understand, instead of just replying.”
Nick Collins
One of Collins’ recurring topics on the show is mental health, and he encourages students to seek help if needed.
“Kids here in this college, a lot of them have bright futures and amazing attitudes and are talented in certain things,” said Collins, “I don’t wanna see that kind of thing be pushed away or shut out because you didn’t talk to somebody.”
Through his involvement with KBCU-FM 88.1, Collins not only shares his love for music but also fosters meaningful connections, helping to build the inclusive, supportive community that he has come to appreciate at Bethel.