Paul Lazo
Paul Lazo can do nothing but marvel at how God works, reflecting upon his admissions process to Azusa Pacific University. It came down to the night before he had to decide between Azusa Pacific and a competing school – and money was the issue. Before he went to bed in his Chicago home, the phone rang and his admissions counselor informed him of a new scholarship that he could receive. It was the exact amount – to the dollar – he needed to make the journey to Azusa. He could not ignore God’s obvious voice.
Now he looks back on how he has changed and knows God has a plan. “I’ve learned to be real and vulnerable here. I’ve had authentic and open role models, and they’ve encouraged me to be the same,” said Paul. “Classroom knowledge is vital, but I’ve learned just as much outside of the classroom as I have inside.” He knows the people he has met at Azusa Pacific will be remembered for years to come. “Men like Willie Hamlett, associate vice president for student life, have mentored me for four years,” said Paul. “Willie stopped being just an administrator and became my friend. He kept me fighting when I was ready to give up. I’ll never forget that.”
