KENZI BERGGREN

You don鈥檛 have to have it all figured out to start college, and honestly, most students don鈥檛. What matters more is being open to the experience: trying new classes, finding your people, learning how to manage your time and discovering who you鈥檙e becoming along the way. These seven lessons, written by Kenzi Berggren, a real N麻豆原创 student, offer a glimpse into what college is really like at N麻豆原创.

1. It is okay to feel unsure of what you want to study

I came to N麻豆原创 as a freshman with a declared major in Film Studies. As a senior, I am graduating with a degree in Communication Science and a double minor in Acting and Graphic Design. Speaking from experience, you do not need to know exactly what you want to do from day one. Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to do, others (like me) do not. Don鈥檛 stress, you will figure it out.

2. You will find your people

N麻豆原创 is a close-knit community that offers acceptance and love. There really is no community quite like it. Not only will you find your friends and establish lifelong relationships, but you will find them within a larger community that cares for you. N麻豆原创 is a family and you will feel that.

3. Time management is the name of the game

If you can develop good time management skills at the start of college, your experience both during and after college will be 10x easier. There is time for school and there is time for friends鈥攜ou just have to find the balance.

4. You will learn a lot about yourself

While the goal of college is to get your degree, there is also a lot of growth that happens within yourself. College is a pivotal point where you really begin to discover who you are as a person. It is a time of self-reflection, self-awareness and self-understanding. Take advantage of this chance to get to know yourself. I promise it will absolutely benefit you long-term.

5. Take that random class that interests you

As a sophomore at N麻豆原创, I began to develop an interest in graphic design. I decided to enroll in Graphic Design 1 and, within the first week of taking that course, I marched over to the registrar鈥檚 office and added a graphic design minor. Not to say that you should minor in everything that interests you, but college is the perfect time to explore those subjects that pique your curiosity.

6. Make connections with your professors

Your professors will be an extremely valuable asset to you during your time at N麻豆原创. Not only do they want to see you succeed, but they want to connect with you on a personal level. They are there to help you, guide you and cheer you on. Making strong connections with your professors will benefit you throughout your time at N麻豆原创 and beyond.

7. Don鈥檛 get too caught up in what others are doing

There is no one right way to do college. Just because someone is doing something one way does not necessarily make it right for you. Don鈥檛 get too caught up in what others are doing. Trust that you know what is best for you and then follow that to its end. And if you have to change your major a couple of times to get there, that鈥檚 what I had to do too, and I promise you will be just fine. This is YOUR college journey鈥攐wn it and enjoy the ride.

Your path doesn鈥檛 have to be perfect to begin. Take the next step and or .

The post 7 THINGS I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO N麻豆原创 appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

Academic Resources:

Worried about APA formatting and the best way to retain all the information you are learning? N麻豆原创鈥檚 writing center allows you to submit all your papers to be edited in advance. This resource has helped many students feel confident turning in their work. Another valuable resource is your professors. They are the experts! Our professors are professionally trained and are passionate about your growth. Take advantage of office hours, and don鈥檛 hesitate to send them an email or stay after class to get some clarity.

Social Resources:

Online or in the classroom, opportunities abound to connect with and build a strong sense of community within your cohort. The people sitting next to you are the ones most likely to know what you are going through. Take time to get to know your classmates. Additionally, take advantage of networking opportunities. Reach out to local professionals in your field to begin building professional relationships and hear about life on the other side of your education.

Spiritual Resources:

Every week, N麻豆原创 graduate students receive a devotional from our online chaplain and an opportunity to join fellow students and faculty for a chapel service online or in person. Our goal is to encourage and equip you so you’re ready for all the challenges you may face throughout the week.

Physical Resources:

Whether you’re in Idaho or thousands of miles away, N麻豆原创 makes your education accessible. Online learning options for most programs allow students to maintain ultimate work-life balance while making significant strides toward their educational goals. Make progress from any location at a time that works best with your schedule.

We are passionate about your transformation! Education at N麻豆原创 is more than just classes and coursework; it’s an invitation to something greater. These resources can help you experience success holistically as you pursue your degree.

Want to learn more about N麻豆原创’s Graduate & Degree Completion Programs and what might be a good fit for you? Visit nnu.edu/gps.

The post WE’RE INVESTED IN YOUR SUCCESS appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

None of us wants to be a statistic, especially one related to failure! There鈥檚 an easy solution! Don鈥檛 make resolutions! We are serious. Don鈥檛 do it. Instead, create strategies for success and be proactive with your actions. There is no magic pill to being successful in a rigorous graduate program. But there are solutions. Make a plan and work the plan. Diligently.听

Here are our recommendations for a killer semester鈥攊n a good way. It will be a semester that gets you closer to your goal of that graduate degree.

The Most Obvious Strategy: Manage Your Time

Create a schedule! Build in time for reading, research and assignments and sync it with your work and/or home calendar. And don鈥檛 forget to schedule in some renewal time. You鈥檒l need it! Use whatever tool works for you鈥攁n old-school planner or a Google Calendar. There鈥檚 no 鈥渞ight鈥� way to build your schedule; choose the way that is right for you.听

Once you have your schedule, build out your tasks and prioritize them. You can get as complex as you like, or you can keep it simple. If you love checking things off a list, make a list! You can even add items you finish each day just so you can check them off. Many people derive a great sense of accomplishment just by checking off to-dos.听

Don鈥檛 forget to build in little rewards for yourself along the way. After turning in a big project, maybe just what you need is a night of binge-watching Netflix rather than reading scholarly articles. Keep your rewards lighthearted and fun (and inexpensive). Maybe your roommate, spouse or a good friend would be willing to celebrate with you. Maybe they鈥檇 even plan a few little rewards for you as a show of solidarity.

Be Aware Of Your Work-Life-School Balance

Multiple deadlines and responsibilities is part of juggling any grad program. If you have a family and a full-time job, it can be complicated. Make sure you are taking stock regularly of how you are feeling. Eat healthy food, build in time for exercise and fun, and get as much sleep as you can. Sure, an occasional all-nighter might be necessary, but if you find yourself doing this regularly, you need to make adjustments. Being physically and emotionally healthy will enable you to function at your optimum level. If you are feeling overwhelmed, share with a trusted friend or family member or seek therapy. Your university will have support for you, too. If you are an N麻豆原创 student or considering one of our programs, check out our University Counseling Center to see available resources.

Maximize Your Support System

Besides the family and friends who are supporting you and cheering you on, you have peers in your grad program. Many of them will be experiencing the same things you are. Connect with them! It will feel more manageable if you are sharing the load with new friends. Whether through a formal study group, a small group project, or just hanging out before or after class, you鈥檒l be glad for new connections and a bit of a diversion from intense study. If you are in an online class, try to connect in person with a few other students in your area. Fellow students are not only a support in the present, they can be great resources for future job opportunities and networking.听

Communicate And Collaborate

Keep in close touch with your professor(s) and academic advisors. At the beginning of the semester, review course syllabi closely to check for any potential schedule conflicts or pitfalls you might encounter during the course. Professors will generally be far more understanding if you must make a request if you have communicated well in advance. Regular and open communication, whether in person or online, is key to building a healthy student/professor relationship. Remember, they are in your corner, too. They want you to succeed!

Collaborate whenever possible. Many times you can work with classmates to share the load on projects and assignments. One difference in graduate school vs. undergraduate is that everyone is studying in an area of particular passion or interest. This generally means students are more motivated, making collaborative work a shared journey.

Learn About Resources And Use Them

The university you attend will have a large store of resources for you to tap into. This is not the time to rely on Google to point you in the right direction. Learn what is available to you in your program area and really take a deep dive. Your professor or advisor can also be a great resource in helping you discover what is available.听

Remember Your Why

In the inevitable times of stress, remember why you wanted to get a graduate degree in the first place. Reflect on the passion that led you here. Remind yourself of your long-term goals. Trust your intuition and rest in the knowledge that you are doing your very best.听

It鈥檚 easy to stay motivated at the beginning of a new semester in January. New class, new professor, new classmates. It takes grit to be motivated in April, but the rewards are worth it. Soon you will have a shiny new diploma for your wall. You鈥檒l launch into a new chapter, and you will be proud of the journey it took to get there.听

Ditch the New Year鈥檚 Resolutions this year and follow these strategies instead. You will be glad you did!听

The post NEW YEAR, NEW SEMESTER: SURVIVING A RIGOROUS GRAD COURSE appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

The past few days have been bittersweet. By now, I suspect that most of you have learned that Joel Pearsall, N麻豆原创鈥檚 13th president, has announced that he intends to retire next summer.

I鈥檓 very happy for Joel, his wife Nikki, as well as their family. They have definitely earned it. And I鈥檓 pleased that our campus community will have a year or so to celebrate Joel鈥檚 presidency and prepare for new leadership.

But I will definitely miss Joel鈥檚 genuine, faithful, wise leadership.

Over the past few years, many of you have asked me about what it鈥檚 like to work with Joel as our president. My regular response has been, 鈥淲ell, Joel Pearsall is the real thing.鈥�

He has consistently modeled what it means to be a genuine, faithful, wise leader.

If you鈥檝e met Joel, then you likely know already that he naturally shuns pretense. Whether it鈥檚 with pastors, students, parents, government or community leaders, most often he鈥檒l simply introduce himself with a handshake and simply say, 鈥淗i, I鈥檓 Joel.鈥� That鈥檚 it.

When I was an undergrad, I never could have imagined calling authority figures by their first names. And yet I hear people address Joel that way all the time — students, faculty, and staff alike. He鈥檚 just 鈥淛oel鈥� 鈥� and he鈥檚 fine with that. He鈥檚 as genuine as they come.

Joel and Nikki love Christ and the Church immensely. Whether you鈥檒l find Nikki serving kids at College Church on Wednesday nights, or you discover Joel running the sound board at his daughter-in-law鈥檚 church on Christmas Eve, the Pearsalls are not about fanfare. They epitomize faithful servanthood.

In early March 2020, Joel鈥檚 leadership was refined in the crucible of a pandemic. While none of us knew what laid ahead, or how to navigate the effects of a deadly virus on a residential campus like ours, I witnessed Joel鈥檚 wisdom firsthand. Just as H. Orton Wiley guided our fledgling campus through a pandemic in 1918, Joel led through layers of complexity using twenty-first century, collaborative solutions. While some debated our approaches at the time, none of our students, staff, or faculty were lost as a result of Covid-19, and we were able to return to on-campus learning that fall, far ahead of many other institutions.

Joel and Nikki love the N麻豆原创 community, whether they鈥檙e traditional undergraduates, online grad听 students completing a degree from the other side of the globe, or someone on our deep employee bench 鈥� each of whom they strive to know by name. More than once I鈥檝e seen them on the road well before dawn, driving hundreds of miles or hopping a red-eye flight following a district assembly in order to be back in Nampa for an employee鈥檚 adoption party, or a team鈥檚 senior night, or an end-of-year concert. Across the years, they have consistently gone the extra mile for our community.

That鈥檚 why Joel鈥檚 pending retirement comes as a bittersweet announcement for me. I suspect many of you could share similar stories about Joel and Nikki. Fortunately, we have a year of opportunities to share our gratitude with them — and as we do, I fully expect that Joel will just chuckle humbly in return, along with that wry grin of his.

Why? Because Joel and Nikki Pearsall are the real thing.

The post THE REAL THING appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

For those of us in our corner of the Nazarene map, April-June is our district assembly season. That typically means I’m traveling with our president and perhaps a colleague or two across the seven districts on our educational field.

This is always a great time to meet new colleagues, to reconnect with old classmates and former students, to answer questions from laypersons about N麻豆原创 and to discuss our programs and upcoming events.

A key highlight for me of most district assemblies is an ordination service when women and men, called by God and affirmed by our church, are set apart as elders or deacons.

Even though I’ve been to many dozens of these services over the course of my ministry, I’m still moved by our ordination ritual. While we Nazarenes don’t see ordination as a sacrament, there’s a part of me that can understand how some Christian traditions do.

After all, the service includes covenants that both the congregation and ordinands make in the presence of God. At another point, the general superintendent outlines a litany of responsibilities that are expected of ordained ministers, including the fact that we are called to:

• Serve, not to be served;
• Proclaim the faith of the Church and no other;
• Look after the concerns of God above all;
• Share in the ministry of Christ and of the whole church;
• Preach and teach the word of God;
• Faithfully administer the sacraments of holy communion and holy baptism;
• Lead the people of God in worship and in prayer;
• Lead people to faith in Jesus Christ;
• Invite believers into the experience of total freedom and entire sanctification;
• Give pastoral guidance, offering order to the life of a congregation;
• Give godly counsel to the troubled and distressed;
• Lead the people of God in obedience to Christ鈥檚 mission in the world; and
• Seek justice, peace and freedom for all people.

That’s quite a laundry list, and it reminds me that this list isn’t exhaustive. Like the “all other duties as assigned” clause found on many job descriptions today, we’re called to faithful leadership in ways many of us never dreamed.

It’s no wonder that answering God’s call is such a daunting challenge.

But in the same way that a wedding ceremony calls for a loving couple to state both their intentions with the words “I will” and their vows with the words “I do,” ordinands are called upon to respond to a series of doctrinal, practical and personal questions of faith, after which they respond in these ways:

• “I do believe;”
• “I do confess;”
• “I do testify;”
• “I am persuaded;”
• “I will, with the help of God;” and
• “I promise.”

Much like a wedding couple, ordinands pledge both their future intentions as well as their current commitments.

If you’re at all like me, these moments take me back to my own ordination and those holy moments when God’s calling on my life was affirmed by our church. But we’re ordained by the Church of the Nazarene in the greater Church of God. You see, ordination not only affirms our role in our own denomination; it also reminds us of our wider responsibilities in the Church universal.

So today, the questions still ring true: “Will you?” “Do you?”

If all of this was expected to be performed by our own strength, we’d be doomed. So, it’s no wonder that this section of our ordination service concludes with this blessing:

May God, who has called you, and gifted you, and led you to believe and to confess these things, may he empower you now by his Holy Spirit so that the work that is begun in you will be carried on to completion until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastoral friends, what God has brought together, let no one separate. Amen.

Lurching forward,
Jay Richard Akkerman

The post I WILL. I DO. appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

Choosing a major is important鈥攅veryone would agree on that. But how do you cut through the noise? Career aptitude tests are useful and your parents may be very wise, but only you can decide what鈥檚 right for you. To help, we鈥檝e compiled our favorite Dos and Don鈥檛s to consider as you look at your options.听

First, the Don鈥檛s.

Don鈥檛 Follow Trends (or Money)

No matter what the pundits say is the next 鈥渉ot鈥� career, don鈥檛 fall for the trap of choosing a major based primarily on current trends or expected job market demand. Or even a lucrative salary. Yes, it鈥檚 important to be aware of what鈥檚 in demand when you go to find a job, but if it doesn鈥檛 fall within your strengths, interests and abilities, you鈥檒l be miserable. Don鈥檛 sacrifice your own passions for a major that doesn鈥檛 fit who you are. Twenty years from now you don鈥檛 want to be well-off financially but miserable in your job.听

Don鈥檛 Please Others (Too Much)

Although it is healthy to get input from family, professors and peers who know you well, try not to feel pressure to choose a particular major based on their expectations. Ultimately, the decision is yours. A large part of the college experience is about self-discovery and learning how to pursue your own passions and aspirations. Lean into this.听

Don鈥檛 Rush

You definitely don鈥檛 need to declare a major right away. Most first-year students don鈥檛 know for sure what they want to do. Use your first year to knock out as many general education requirements as you can and explore electives that interest you.听

Don鈥檛 Be Afraid

Being scared you鈥檒l make the wrong decision can either paralyze you or lead you to something you鈥檙e not really suited for. It is ok to be uncertain, but take some actions that will help give you some clarity. Visit Career Services, talk with your advisor and do some soul-searching. Be confident while you are searching. It鈥檚 okay to tell people, 鈥淵ou know, I鈥檓 really not sure what my major will be yet, but I鈥檓 taking some time to explore my options.鈥澨�

And Now, the Dos.

Do Know Yourself

Know what you are interested in and what you are good at鈥攚hat comes naturally to you. If you don鈥檛 truly enjoy math, physics and problem-solving, being a civil engineer probably isn鈥檛 best for you. Your interests and aptitudes should guide you.听

Do Ask For Help

Although choosing a major should be your decision to make, seek input and advice. This could come from your advisor or trusted professor, Career Services, parents or a number of other trusted people. Advisors will be experts in helping you connect a major with careers, and those who know you well can ask open-ended questions that will help you clarify your own thinking.

Do Consider Cost

We all know that college is a significant investment of time and money. Consider whether the major you choose requires additional education. For example, a psychology major will need to get another degree before they can become a social worker. It鈥檚 great to chase your dreams, but you鈥檒l need to consider at what point you need to earn a living wage.听

Do Be Willing to Work for It

The very best outcomes rarely come for free. You鈥檒l need to be willing to put some time and energy into the process. Check out job postings in your area of interest, volunteer, seek an internship and take career assessments. Each action you take will help guide you into your future.听

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Tyler was no stranger to success and no stranger to the rigors of academia. But to pile an MBA course onto his demanding job in sales at a national insurance company was asking a lot of this high performer. Juggling coursework, sales quotas and personal obligations meant he was stretched pretty thin. He sacrificed sleep and taking time for himself because he was going after his goal with a vengeance. And it worked鈥t first. The adrenaline he got from being productive masked any sign of stress or fatigue, so he pushed through, convinced that his grit would pay off. After all, it always had before鈥�

Before long Tyler was struggling to concentrate at work and at school. He wasn鈥檛 motivated, and he felt like his goal had become a burden. He didn鈥檛 sleep well either, tossing and turning, with restless thoughts and worries about his future swirling around in his head. No amount of self-talk could keep him from feeling overwhelmed, and he became trapped in a vicious cycle of exhaustion and self-doubt.听

His breaking point came during a particularly challenging week chock full of deadlines and pressure. His mind and body said, 鈥淓nough!!!鈥� and Tyler was completely depleted. He was officially burned out.听

Tyler鈥檚 story is more common than we like to think. Graduate school, especially when it鈥檚 combined with a demanding job and personal responsibilities, is stressful. Fortunately, there are tools to help you navigate this season of life. Here are a few of our best strategies to help you avoid burnout.听

Establish Clear Boundaries

Your academic, professional and personal life are distinct areas of your life, and all bring expectations and responsibilities with them. Open communication with family, your boss and your professors will help keep you in balance. This doesn鈥檛 mean you are neglecting one area and replacing it with another, but it does mean finding time for all. This will vary from week to week. Communicating with all parties will go a long way toward building understanding and trust. You also must carve out time for recreation, whatever that looks like for you. (At first, Tyler insisted that recreation just meant working on his next paper. Fortunately, he had a supportive family that demanded they go on a hike every weekend to help him put his mind in a different place.) Do things that bring you joy every week, make them priorities and savor them. They should become a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Seek Support

Don鈥檛 hesitate to call an audible when you need it. Get support through your university鈥檚 counseling center, an objective and wise friend or professional counseling. Reaching out in times of stress is a sign of strength, not weakness. Everyone struggles from time to time. What matters is how you deal with it. (PS: sucking it up for an extended period of time is never the right strategy!)

Be Mindful

It鈥檚 popular right now to talk about mindfulness and self-care. And it may not feel like 鈥測our thing.鈥� But, these practices are grounded in research. In 2020, studies proved that participating in mindfulness and self-care were indispensable in promoting mental wellness and bolstering resilience amidst the rigors of academic and personal pursuits. Make these practices a priority, not an afterthought.听

What about our friend, Tyler? Well, he recognized he was on the brink, so he reached out for help. With the right support, he confronted his burnout head-on and began to rebuild with a healthier mindset and healthier practices. He adopted a balanced approach to his work, family life and academics and prioritized his well-being. Today, he has a renewed sense of purpose and resilience and is an advocate for prioritizing mental health in all aspects of life. Oh, and he has his MBA and a career in global finance鈥攋ust what he wanted.

Burnout can creep up on anyone, regardless of how successful you are. Let Tyler鈥檚 story inform your own and let his journey inspire you to make time for yourself among the madness.听

The post AVOIDING BURNOUT: TYLER’S STORY appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

Stands received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1993 and his Master of Educational Leadership degree in 1996 from Northwest Nazarene University. Following his positions as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal in Boise, Meridian and Eagle schools, Stands continued his education by earning an Education Specialist degree in 2018 from the University of Idaho, where he moved into a Regional Director position in the West Ada School District before becoming the Director of Safety and Behavior in 2023.听听

“[In choosing an L.E. Wesche award recipient,] the committee considers the candidate’s positive impact on the field of education extending beyond the classroom or office, how they have been a catalyst for change, their representation of the N麻豆原创 ideals of scholarship in a Christian context and their quality leadership and service to the profession,” said Holly Ripley, Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Undergraduate Education. “In his remarks shared with the student teachers at the reception, Stands reminded our teacher candidates of their mission 鈥榯o make an eternal difference in [their] students’ lives.鈥� He is an inspiration to our teacher candidates just entering the field.”听

This award is named in honor of Dr. Lilburn Wesche, N麻豆原创 Faculty Emeritus, who graduated from Northwest Nazarene College in 1951. During his 30-year career at N麻豆原创, he was a professor, head of the education department, director of teacher education, director of graduate studies, interim academic dean and chair of the division of professional studies. Award recipients are current professionals who make a positive impact in the field of education that extends beyond the classroom.听

The L.E. Wesche award recipient is nominated and selected by an advisory council composed of current and emeriti N麻豆原创 education department faculty. The committee considers the candidates’ positive impact on the field of education extending beyond the classroom or office, how they have been a catalyst for change, their representation of the N麻豆原创 ideals of scholarship in a Christian context and their quality leadership and service to the profession.听

The post STANDS NAMED N麻豆原创’S 2024 L.E. WESCHE OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

Curtis has a longstanding connection with N麻豆原创, having graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 1994. Since then, he has dedicated his career to enriching the lives of students through music education. He has served in various leadership roles within the field of choral music, demonstrating his exceptional talent and dedication.

In addition to his extensive teaching experience, Curtis has been actively involved with the Idaho Music Education Association and the National Association for Music Educators. His contributions to these organizations have helped shape music education policies and practices on both regional and national levels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ron Curtis back to N麻豆原创,” said Judy Marlett, Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities and Professor of Music at Northwest Nazarene University. “As an accomplished alumnus with a proven track record of excellence in choral music education, he is the perfect fit to lead our vibrant choral program into the future.”

In his new role, Curtis will oversee all aspects of the choral program at N麻豆原创, including directing the University Choir and collaborating with Dr. John Dally on the University Choir & Orchestra, mentoring students and fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

“I am deeply honored and excited to return to my alma mater as the Director of Choral Activities,” said Curtis. “Northwest Nazarene University holds a special place in my heart, and I am eager to work alongside talented students and colleagues to continue the tradition of excellence in choral music.”

Curtis will officially assume his duties as Director of Choral Activities at Northwest Nazarene University on June 1, 2024. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to him as he embarks on this new chapter at N麻豆原创.

The post N麻豆原创 WELCOMES ESTEEMED ALUM麻豆原创S AS NEW DIRECTOR OF CHORAL ACTIVITIES appeared first on Northwest Nazarene University.

NAME: Kelly Covington听

PROFESSION: Executive Assistant for Student Life听听听听

HOMETOWN: Nampa, Idaho听

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU: I find hearts everywhere, rocks, clouds, in food and other places in nature. God shows these to me to remind me He is always there and sees me.听

FAVORITE N麻豆原创 MEMORY SO FAR: The first year back from COVID was incredibly stressful and it was harder to do things together with students. SGA had bought some Nerf guns and it was game on from that point. We would have daily Nerf gun fights and you always had to be prepared. We had so much fun, laughed so hard and found it was one way to bring 鈥渘ormal鈥� back to our lives.听

FAVORITE THING ABOUT N麻豆原创: All of the random conversations I have with students. I hear so many stories about what is happening in students鈥� lives. This is the best part of my job, listening to and loving students and being a part of their journey which enriches my own journey. Sometimes those conversations are really hard, but walking alongside them to pray with them and watch how situations unfold builds an awe of the many ways God works. It builds their faith as well as my own as we talk through the changes that happen.听

SOMETHING VALUABLE YOU LEARNED AT N麻豆原创: We all are here for this specific time in our lives for a purpose. We all matter, we are all in this together and it is a beautiful messy thing to share life with others here.听

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT FROM YOUR TIME AT N麻豆原创: I think my proudest accomplishment is being a person students seek out when they need someone to care for them without judgment. Someone who will listen, guide, pray and give a hug, then will check in on them because I do honestly care. Years later some have shared how much it has meant to them but I think I am the one who is blessed because I have grown through the journey with them.听

FAVORITE QUOTE: 鈥�What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.鈥濃�擯ericles听

HOW DO YOU KNOW BELONGING BECAUSE OF N麻豆原创? This definition sums up how I know belonging because of N麻豆原创: Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion and identity for a member of a certain group. This is N麻豆原创 to me and is my hope for everyone who comes here.听

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