Posts Tagged ‘community’

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All-Access Weekend ALREADY?

Megan Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

It seems like just yesterday that I was walking onto the APU campus for All-Access weekend. I was timid, shy, and confused, to say the least. I remember the feeling exactly. You feel like you look so much younger then everyone else and that you stand out like a sore thumb. It feels like yesterday, but a year seemed to fly by between then and now.

This past weekend I got the chance to host All-Access students as an Ambassador. Being an Ambassador means you get the opportunity to host All-Access students and other prospective students throughout your freshmen year. It is not a paid position or anything, just something to do if you want to get involved with the school from the get-go. It is a good way to get students hyped up for what APU is and what it has to offer.

Incase you haven’t heard of All-Access, heres a brief lo-down on what it is. Basically, All-Access Weekend takes place four times throughout the year, twice in the Fall and twice in the Spring, and lasts from Thursday afternoon to either Friday night or Saturday morning (depending on if you want to spend one or two nights on campus). You get to attend fun events, informative sessions, and stay with a Freshmen student at APU so that you can get a good feel for what a typical weekend is like. It is a good way to see the campus, meet some faculty, and begin to bond with other prospective students that might (…hopefully) will end up at APU with you. You get to go to chapel, attend a class, eat on campus, and get to know your Ambassadors.

My experience last year at All-Access was SO worthwhile and made me 100 times more excited for going to APU. I encourage you to look into All-Access weekend, and if you cannot attend any of those weekends, try and schedule a night or weekend to stay at APU in the dorms and experience it individually. I promise you its worth it.

Here are some questions I thought it would be helpful to cover that I got asked regularly by the All-Access students I hosted:

1. What is an R.A.? Each hall in the dorms, and each general living area in the apartments or Mods has an R.A. (Resident Advisor). An R.A. is an upperclassman- typically a junior or senior, sometimes a sophomore. Basically, their job is to make sure rules are followed, and even more then that make sure your experience is amazing.

2. What is an Alpha Group? The second you move into APU you are going to be placed in an Alpha Group. As a Freshmen, you are required to take a .5 Unit class called Beginnings your first semester that consists of about 300 students. The students in that class are divided into the Alpha Groups (about 8-12 people) and throughout the majority of the first semester you meet with your Alpha Group weekly to bond, talk about the class material, and have fun. This is one of the many ways that APU makes sure you do not feel alone once you step onto the campus.

3. How much homework do you get? It really depends on your major(s), if you procrastinate, and what professors you get. It varies heavily. Usually, I get roughly 2-3 hours of homework a night. Now, keep in mind this does not include procrastination. However, you can balance a social life and school for sure, you just have to be smart about it.

4. How do you like it here? Considering I am writing on the APU Blog and I am an APU Ambassador, you can infer the rest…. YES I LOVE IT HERE AND I INSIST ITS THE BEST COLLEGE ON THE PLANET.

5. Is there anything you would change about APU? Honestly, no. (And I am not just saying that because it’s on this blog.) The thing that I looked most forward to at APU was the people. In being here about two months there is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for the community here. People genuinely CARE, the love of Christ is so evident here its mind blowing. I love that I am surrounded by these people every single day. The school aspect of it hasn’t let me down either. My classes are amazing, the professors care about students more then I have ever seen or thought was possible, and I am learning so much. I never dread school, I enjoy it. And I haven’t always been like that, thats for sure. I love both campuses and I never find myself bored here. Two months and no boredom? Its true. (No wonder why its on the list for the best first-year experience!)

6. How much financial aid can you get? If you are struggling financially, do NOT rule out APU. I know many people that cannot at all afford this college but they ended up with enough financial aid to be able to go here. APU really helps you out in finding ways to afford school here, and if you put time and effort into getting financial aid, it will prove to be hugely beneficial.

7. What is there to do around Azusa on weekends? There is always something going on on-campus or somewhere to go or someone to hang out with. Donut man is a short drive away, and is one of the most popular hangout spots for APU students. It is delicious. Likewise, Cookie Mill is a hot spot that everyone goes to, you will always find an APU student in there. The most amazing ice cream sandwiches… ever. A lot of students go to the movie theater or out to dinner at Chipotle. Girls on my hall will go running on the track frequently and there’s a lot of just hanging out in a dorm room socializing. There will never be a dull moment, that I assure you.

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10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to APU:

Megan Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

1. It is really easy to make friends. The major difference between Azusa Pacific and other schools I looked into before applying to colleges is the people. If you try and sit alone at lunch, someone WILL come up to you and ask to sit with you. You have to really make a conscious effort to be lonely and bored. People are always surrounding you and they are the friendliest group of college students you’ll probably ever come across. Stressing out before getting to APU about friendships is unnecessary. All the freshmen are in the same boat, you will make friends faster then you can snap your fingers! Spend some alone time before coming to college… cause it might be a while before you get that again.

Alpha Group Bonding!

Alpha Group Bonding!

2. College is not like High School. The school work is challenging and time-consuming. Busy work is less common and tests and essays are more common. Don’t expect to be able to get off the hook easily and don’t expect for A’s to be easy to come by. Good grades DO take effort in college.

3. Roommates are one of the Best Parts about College. I spent endless hours worrying about what roommate I was going to be randomly assigned to and come to find out she’s the best roommate I could have ever asked for. 99% of my friends are completely happy with their roommate, whether they are now best friends or they just get along well living together. I wouldn’t have spent so much time worrying if I knew the reality of what I was worrying about. Choosing to get a randomly assigned roommate may be out of your comfort zone, but its worth it. Meeting someone new who you live with for a year out of your life is a priceless experience.

Roommate Love.

Roommate Love.

4. Facebook will Destroy your Life. Yes, you heard me. When it comes to homework and Facebook, Facebook always wins.

5. School Pride is Necessary. It is perfectly acceptable to know your school is better then every other school on the planet. It is perfectly acceptable to wear face paint and deck yourself out in the school colors to football games. It is not only perfectly acceptable, it is expected. College is not like high school. In high school there are few school-spirited people, in college- you are PAYING for this education, be proud of your school.

APU PRIDE.

Showing our APU PRIDE during a hall hike.

6. There is Nothing like Mom’s Homecooking. I promise you that no matter what college you end up going to, you will miss homecooked meals. Enjoy them while you can, for as long as you can. Eat the entire plate and lick it while you’re at it. Cafeteria food and fast food restaurants will never, ever compare.

7. Community Bathrooms are Part of the Experience. I remember having horrible visions of having to share bathrooms with 40 other girls. Being here, the bathroom situation is not a big deal at all. There are always open showers and stalls and faucets. It is a good way to see all my hallmates throughout the day and catch up with people while getting ready for class or getting ready to go to bed.

8. Bring Summer, Winter AND Crazy Clothing. Just a couple days ago it was 90 degrees, now its raining. I wasn’t aware this was Florida… but whatever the case make sure you pack a little bit of everything. Even if you live close it is best to just bring everything you might need for Summer and Winter weather.

Also, make sure to pack some random, crazy clothing. Every week each hall has a night that they go to the Cafeteria to eat a family dinner. Every week is a different theme, and there is often other events going on with different themes as well. You want to make sure you have a good variety of crazy outfits in the likely change that you will need it. Its not always easy to run out and buy an outfit for these events. They happen often and you probably won’t want to spent the money on an outfit you’ll only wear once in your life. From cowboys to animals to tie dye, college thrives on making average things UNaverage.

OLD LADIES Themed Hall Dinner

OLD LADIES Themed Hall Dinner

9. Sleep is a Privilege. An average night of sleep is about 5-7 hours for me. Depending on how much homework and studying I have to do, how much I have procrastinated, and how many activities are going on that night. It is hard to really prepare yourself to have less sleep then you are used to in high school, but if it is possible to prepare yourself, do it. In the end though, I like to think that a good college experience and having fun is worth missing sleep over. You aren’t paying for college to sleep a lot right? You’re paying to learn, get a diploma, and have fun.

10. Organization is Key. In order to make sure that you have time for everything and you have your priorities straight, it is absolutely necessary to get a planner or calender of some kind. My planner saves my life. Write everything down that you want to do or need to do and then make sure your priorities are straight on what is necessary for that day. Homework often gets forgotten about and then it is not done until 3AM, you don’t want to be that person falling asleep in class the next day. You are going to want to make sure your homework is done well, you have time for yourself and having fun, and time for God.

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Welcome!

Mallory Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Hello!

My name is Mallory and I’m one of APU‘s newest bloggers! :)

Before I get started blogging I thought that you all could get to know me a little!

  • I love Jesus.
  • I’m a freshman and so far… I LOVE IT!
  • Made the drive from Elk Grove, CA (Sacramento)
  • I love rain and Fall/Winter weather =D
  • Living in Adams Hall (THE SISTERHOOD!)
  • Favorite food is sushi!
  • Favorite color is black.
  • I LOVE making people laugh

(An overview of blogs to come!)

Most of my blogs will be stories and experiences that I come across here at Azusa Pacific!

That way, you will get to see first hand what it is like here, through a Freshman’s eyes!

Enjoy!

 

Blessings,

Mallory

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Making “The College Experience” Your Own.

Megan Thursday, October 21st, 2010

In high school, I thoroughly remember all the clubs, organizations, and opportunities that arose to be involved in. However, it was rare that many people actually DID THEM. Going into college, I promised myself I would not stick to that same mindset that all of those opportunities are unimportant and “boring.” I knew that I wanted to be involved, and somehow influential in other peoples lives. But I didn’t know how. I have to say though, all of the opportunities that APU places in the palm of every single students hand are worthwhile. I would fair to say that they give you too many opportunities (if thats possible?). I have spent many nights debating what things I wanted to do the most, because I am often in the dilemma of being overly committed to too many things.

There are opportunities straight out of freshmen year, ranging from being an Ambassador (hosting students that attend the amazing All Access Weekends and hosting other prospective students) to being in a D-Group (Discipleship Group with peers to have Bible studies, pray, and grow in your faith) to tutoring kids in the area to serving in missions trips to reaching out to the elderly community to Mexico Outreach trips to getting a mentor.

During my first week here at APU, I found out about a group called Young Life. It immediately was a huge tug at my heart and it was something I knew I would thrive in. Young Life is a non-denominational Christian ministry that reaches out to teenagers in a way thats authentic and approachable. Its similar to what most teenagers know to be “youth group,” except its less formal and more based around being crazy, having fun, and hanging out with the youth. I started getting involved and learning about it and next thing you know, I am now a leader at one of the Young Life groups at a nearby high school. The other Young Life leaders are extraordinary and super stoked about their faith. This program has given me the opportunity to reach into other kids lives the way that people reach into my own life. Its awesome to get opportunities to give back what you have already been blessed with.

Bonfire with Young Life!

Bonfire with Young Life!

I would encourage you to be in prayer and consider what things you want to be involved with once you come to APU. You will never in your life get the kind of opportunities as you do in college. College is a time of really figuring out who you are and where you want to go in your life. It is a time of defining your faith and growing in your friendships. All of these opportunities that APU gives you once you arrive on campus only ENHANCE all the things you hope to gain out of college.

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7 Reasons to Get Involved During Freshmen Year

1. You get to meet a LOT of new people- amazing people- that you might not get a change to meet otherwise

2. With all the schoolwork, tests, and essays, its a good way to set time aside for something you really enjoy

3. How involved you are is often said to “make or break” your experience during college

4. A requirement for graduation is Ministry and Service (MAS) credits, which you probably should start from the get-go, or risk a very overwhelming senior year

5. There are enough opportunities to be able to get involved with something your really passionate about, and with the stresses of college, that passion is necessary to push you along

6. Being involved is a huge way to grow in your relationship with God- being able to serve others as Jesus did and use your strengths to benefit the community of APU and Azusa alike

7. Its fun

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La vida de los dormitorios

Andrew Thursday, October 21st, 2010

“Siempre me pregunto cómo sería vivir en un dormitorio.”

Hablando con un amigo hace unos días, me di cuenta de qué ridículo es vivir en un dormitorio.  Pero es algo bueno.  Créeme.  Ya que soy un hijo único, estaba nervioso pensar en vivir con tantos otros hombres.  Para ser honesto, ésta es una de las experiencias más maravillosas que jamás he tenido.  Cuando llegué aquí, me hice parte de una comunidad inmediatamente.  La que me sostiene y me da diversión constante.

Quieres quedarte despierto hasta 3 en la mañana hablando sobre la vida?  Jugando Nintendo, fútbol en el pasillo, o mirando películas?  Cómo te parece ir a reuniones cada semana donde creces en tus relaciones por rezar y comer galletas?  Todo esto está aquí en los dormitorios.

Viajitos a la playa con la gente de tu pasillo?  Cenas vestidos como vagabundos?  Ir a boliche atado con alguien?  Música al azar?  Claro que sí también!

Hay tantas cosas que ocurren en los dormitorios cada día que no puedo escribirlas todas.  Mi mejor consejo es llegar aquí sin actitudes preconcebidas, con la habilidad de comunicarte, y un deseo para disfrutarte con las personas quienes viven contigo.  Además, ven a un “preview weekend.”  Ésta es la oportunidad perfecta para averiguar si un dormitorio es correcto para ti.

Si prefieres información por el Internet, haz clic aquí.  Los estudiantes de primer año tienen cuatro opciones.  Si quieres vivir en un edificio de solo un sexo, tus opciones son Adams (mujeres) y Smith (hombres).  Engstrom y Trinity son de los dos sexos, con hombres en los pisos de abajo y las mujeres en los pisos de arriba.  Es posible que vayas a oír de las “personalidades” de cada edificio.  En mi opinión, no creo que esto sea cierto, así que te aconsejo escoger lo que aparece mejor para ti.  Harás amigos dondequiera vivas.

Si tienes alguna pregunta específica, déjame un comento!  Espero que tengáis un buen resto de la semana.

Un día normal en los dormitorios

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…Who Am I? And Why Am I Here?

Megan Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

I figure that this post is appropriate. My first blog entry gave a little insight into where I am at now and my experience thus far at APU, but I figured it was equally important to know where I am coming from.

I am a freshmen at APU, majoring in graphic design. I am super passionate about anything artsy, creative, or design related. I also love writing and would gladly write an essay on the weekend just for fun (I am aware that some people think I am crazy). I have a blog of my own, which led me to checking out these APU blogs when I was a perspective student. I desired to get involved with participating with these APU blogs this year because they were actually a huge part of my excitement in coming to APU. You hear all these amazing experiences, and want one of your own.

I grew up about an hour from Azusa. I lived in the same city, house, and room my entire life. So my move to Azusa Pacific was something very new to me.

I am very close to both of my parents, who are basically my best friends, and my older brother is currently attending community college in Colorado. I take after my dads sense of humor and love of criminal justice and I take after my moms personality and love of cooking.

My favorite TV shows are Big Brother and 24. My favorite color is red and my favorite animal is elephants. My favorite movie is Little Miss Sunshine and my favorite book (besides the Bible) are The Irresistible Revolution and Left to Tell. My favorite foods are pasta and rice, and my favorite place to shop is Urban Outfitters.

You may be wondering what brought me to APU? That question gets thrown around a lot during the first month of living here. I actually ended up at APU through a long train of God-oriented events. My original plan my entire life was to attend a prestigious design school in New York City. I was set on applying- so I enrolled for a month-long summer program to see if this was really where I wanted to be. Long story short, returning home from the trip I realized the strange strain on my relationship with God that I had while being in NYC. I was so consumed in work and school and the city, that my faith was pushed aside. After returning home I realized that my faith was of utmost importance, much over any major, career goal, city, or school.

Azusa Pacific continually was sending me mail and calling me. Before then I had never really heard of APU, but after looking at their website and looking deeper into the school I become more interested. After a lot of prayer I decided on visiting the school “just to see” what it was like. The first visit I fell in love with everything about APU. It honestly just took one walk around the campus and one hour in Chapel and my decision was final. This was the place that I pictured myself in, a place where I could grow in my relationship with Christ and where I could utilize my talents and strengths in a way that would glorify God and draw me nearer to him. I gave up my “dream” of art school in NYC because growing closer to Christ I knew was HIS dream for me, and this plan of APU I am beginning to view as the “plan I never knew, I always wanted”. APU was the only school I applied to when sending college applications because I just tend to be that person that sticks to what I believe in and what I want. I could not imagine myself settling for ‘second best.’ I believed this was Gods will and I am beginning to see the ways in which God is already using me here.

Above all, seek God, and if you land up at APU hang on for the amazing ride.

My first visit at APU, with my parents.

My first visit at APU, with my parents.

“Of all the things Christ wants for us, loving Him and focusing our attention on Him are the most important.” -Charles Stanley

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