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Almost a JUNIOR… already?

Megan Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

I can’t believe that finals are in a few weeks and then this school year is officially over. My first two years of college have FLOWN by. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in my room during senior year of high school wishing I was just at APU already. And I can honestly say that this school, the academics, the things I am involved in, and most of all, the people have never let me down. To come to APU will go down in my life as one of the most important and one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I think in honor of a new class of students coming soon, I will make a list of all the things that I basically see when I look back on these past two years.

1. I see a really faithful, loving, encouraging God. A God that believes in me and entrusts with me BIG things.

I am sadly taking my very last required Bible course this semester. It is a class that undoubtably has changed my perspective on Jesus and the Bible. This class is absolutely WORTH the hundreds and hundreds of dollars APU students pay for one class. I am realizing looking back at the 5 Bible Classes I’ve taken that I am so lucky to get to take these classes with the faculty that APU has. As a girl that has only ever been to public schools, learning about the Bible in school is just about the coolest thing ever.

2. I see the Alpha Program. The people that I met in it, the leaders that I have been blessed with through it, the people that have encouraged me and made me into a better follower of Christ, friend, and leader. This program is bigger then just freshmen orientation, it is a life changer.

3. I see three incredible people that I have lived with. The two girls I live with now and the one I was randomly assigned with freshmen year are three of my dearest and best friends. I could talk about them forever. I am grateful to be able to be in Christian community with girls that is so intentional. Living with people can either be horrible or extremely beneficial and even more fun. Mine was the second.

4. I see a mission trip to Tanzania that changed my life.

5. I see art classes that made me a better Christian artist and designer.

6. I see the tight-knit community that can be found at APU if you seek and desire it.

7. I see a lot of quiet time with Jesus. A lot of struggling through passages in the Bible with Him, a lot of praying through rough stuff, and then a lot of meditating on His Word.

Then I see a lot of loud time with Jesus. Spontaneous, good-hearted dance parties with friends during procrastination for long essays and studying. Dinners at the Caf with a ton of friends talking about what God is doing in our lives. D-Group meetings and alpha meetings filled with endless laughter that I know brings joy to the Lord. I think I have seen how both being quiet and being loud and crazy can draw you nearer to Jesus. He is as real in fellowship as He is in Chapel and Church and individual prayer.

8. I see a lot of adventures spontaneously late at night with friends. The kind of moments that make you grateful for life. Going to get mashed potatoes at KFC, donut man trips, going to a beautiful cliff overlooking the city and talking about life, driving around Pasadena blasting music, going to see a movie or getting sushi with the roommate. So many moments and so few pictures. That is when you know it was a great night, when you forget to take any pictures cause you are having too much fun with friends that mean the world to you.

9. I see the people that I have been blessed to have as neighbors both this year and last year. It is easy to love your neighbor when your neighbors RULE.

10. I see learning what it looks like to be a leader. Learning what you want out to get our of life. Learning how to best use your passions and skills and major to serve the Kingdom. Learning what you are doing wrong in friendships and what you are doing right. Learning the benefit of being vulnerable. Learning how quickly deep friendships can be built. Learning that you can do so much more then you think you can. Learning the blessings of living in America and being able to be educated at APU. Basically- I have learned a lot.

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This Past Year With Jesus.

Megan Friday, February 17th, 2012

I remember coming into APU and wondering where I would be at spiritually if I went here. (After all, I did give up my dream of moving to New York City and attending an Art School in favor of a Christian University that I thought I would really grow spiritually in.) I remember recently laughing at how I used to say I would NEVER in a million years go to a school that was Christian, I was so used to attending secular schools and being the odd one out. Now, I can NEVER imagine myself attending a university that is not APU, that does not uphold Christian values and morals.

This past year and a half of being at APU I really have experienced Jesus in new ways (to say the least). If you want to send me an email, a comment, or anything like that, I would love to expand on other things God has shown me. This blog doesn’t even cover near a tenth of it.

I have experienced Jesus through community and relationships. I would be lying if I gave the impression that everyone here has it all together, that everyone is on the straight and narrow path, and that everyone is walking the perfect Christian walk. It would be the farthest thing from the truth. But there ARE most definitely some of the most SOLID, faithful followers of Christ here. I have never felt so encouraged and loved then I feel on this campus daily. I used to have a rather short list of people that I would go to whenever I needed someone, a short list of people I trust and respect with everything inside of me. Now the list has grown to be increasingly long. When I need someone, I struggle with the thought of who to call first, there are just honestly too many options.

I have become ever so present of this world, the issues in it, and how blessed I am to be where I am at. I used to seek thankfulness and admire people that saw the glass half full. Now I live thankfulness and my glass is always overflowing. Through being able to serve in Tanzania this past summer for 2 months specifically, I have viewed life so differently then before. Life is so beautiful. Also, through classes I am taking right now I am learning and seeking the bigger picture.

Jesus has taught me patience and what it looks like to be fully consumed in HIM. To be honest, the whole ‘Ring by Spring’ philosophy is very much true. There are a lot of people in long-term relationships and a plethora of engaged and married upperclassman. However, I think that taking each day moment by moment is really important to me and has really been something God has shown to me. I think a fair amount of people (even me sometimes) get caught up the future, so much so that they forget how privileged we are to be right where we are at.

I have learned what leadership looks like in my life and how important it is to me. (God is still teaching me a lot on that as well.) God has shown me what obedience looks like, what it feels like to rely on Him 100% and have no comfort to fall back on except Him. There have been moments of breaking down and feeling like I am on top of the world, God has been in the midst of all of those.

I have found joy in brokenness. I have realized that Christ really does use the most unworthy, the weakest of us to glorify Him and bring Heaven down on this Earth. I have sought and found Fruits of the Spirit that I never thought were possible to see outpouring in my life. I have seen Christ change my heart in ways that only can be possible from the God of the Universe. I have seen the church in the most beautiful form, and it did not take place in a typical church building as one might expect. I have experienced God every single day, and I think that before coming here I could not exactly say that. God’s beauty is so evident here. I truly feel that there is no better place to be right now in my life than this place I attend school and live. How lucky am I?

My life is so different, my faith is so different, from where I was before I came here. I had no idea all this would happen to the extent that it has. My walk with God is so much more intimate, God is so much more personal. I am now intentionally reading the Bible so much more, I yearn for it and nothing fills me like God’s Word does.

I think that there is such beauty and honesty in people’s walks with God at APU. So many incredible people with so many different stories. I can’t explain the encouragement I have found in peers, professors, and leaders of mine here.

But I encourage you to not wait until you step foot in college to be where you want to be with God. Meet God where you are at, seek God day to day, and when you finally set foot at APU take that for what it is as well. God is just as real here as He is where you are at.

This is an excerpt from a journal entry I wrote during my senior year of high school. (Incase you were wondering, the fire has definitely kept growing. Praise God for this answered prayer!)

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Oh yeah, I’m here for academics.

Megan Monday, November 7th, 2011

SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN

invading the freshmen dance parties,

being weird with my roommates,

being consumed in how great Alpha is,

dressing up for living area events,

going out to dinner with incredible people,

and welcoming freshmen like a bunch of crazy people…

I have realized the truth of the matter. (Dun Dun Dunnnn) I’m here for school.

Sure, all the money your parents will be shelling out is not purely for academics, but a good chunk of it is. (Who knew a piece of paper at the end of 4 years could be so expensive!) As much as I feel it is more beneficial spending a night pouring into the lives of people and being behind in class the next day, at the same time I have had far too many lessons from God in how blessed I am to be educated here to push aside homework. (AKA: Teaching English in Tanzania this past summer and hearing student after student profess their career aspirations to me, it was 99.9% of the time one of three things: either a doctor, a pilot [so they can travel and see America], or a teacher. The options and opportunities are endless here but in other places it is not so much so.)

On another note, reality hit me when I checked where I am academically and realized that I only have a mere 40 units left until I can graduate. That translates to approximately 13 units a semester (my current load is 17 units) to graduate in the Spring of 2013… aka a YEAR early. So the question is, do I skip junior year or lack a senior year? Crazy right.

This reality check resulted in me seeking out internship opportunities and long story short, God TOTALLY provided and I am now a Set Design and Styling Intern as a beautiful store called Ruche. (Check it out all you girls that love vintage/girly/bohemian, anthropology/urban outfitters-esq clothes).

At least that took a load off my shoulders in regards to stressing about getting out there and being involved in “real world” design.

So all you high schoolers out there: GET PUMPED for how fun college WILL be but realize the real reasons you are here before it gets too late to raise that gpa and find those internships.

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A Necessary Blog Post.

Megan Monday, October 3rd, 2011

If you want to get technical, my run as an APU blogger ‘ended’ over four(ish) months ago when our summer break began. However, after the life changing eight weeks I spent this summer in Tanzania I felt that this post was entirely necessary after talking so much about this trip in my previous blogs.

I don’t really know where to begin, that seems to always be the toughest part about talking about a trip that had as big of an impact as this one had on me. I traveled to Tanzania (South-Eastern Africa) and spent two months there with a team put together by both the Office of World Missions and more importantly, God. (He hand picked this team perfectly, might I add.)

Three of my favorite beautiful girls of Nkungi.

We spent about 5 weeks in Nkungi village where we did work assigned by the village leaders, taught at both a primary and secondary school, installed water filters, distributed food packets, built blocks for a teachers home at one of the primary schools, and loved like crazy on the beautiful kids that we spent endless time with.

The new playground we build in Singida Town, the primary (elementary) school kids were so excited. It was the first of its kind.

Then we spent about 2 weeks in Singida Town where we worked at a childrens community center where food was distributed to the children that couldn’t afford it (in exchange for them being educated). We had the blessing of constructing a playground which was unheard of there and also repainted and fixing up the entire building. The other 1 week of the trip was spent in travel time and debriefing on a safari.

Babuu. One of the amazing things we got to witness on this trip was his hatred and aggression toward us in the beginning, that in time turned to love and admiration.

I think that the most present things that God taught me during that time was that (1) fears are petty when compared to life lessons that can be learned. We think our fears are justified, until God uses those fears to bring himself glory. (2) Statistics on poverty, lack of clean water, hiv/aids, prostitution, and disease are REAL, not only are their faces behind them but there are stories and names behind them. (3) Love and grace speak infinitely louder than words. Just because you can’t speak fluently in a language doesn’t mean your impact is less valid. (4) Stepping out of your comfort zone is always worth it. (5) The Holy Spirit is as as REAL and ALIVE as God and Jesus are, pray for the Holy Spirit to work through you because He most definitely desires to and WILL. (6) We cannot be strong and we cannot spread God’s perfect love without the power of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Seek it.

All of our friends that we grew to be SO close with in Nkungi village. Blessed beyond words to know these people and call them my Nkungi family.

Basically, the point of this post is not to boast about what I was blessed enough to do this summer but rather to encourage you and to point the glory to God and let you know that He has great things in store for you! A year ago I would have never imagined that going into APU God would call me to this mission trip and this mission trip would lead to so many convictions and blessings. Trust God and trust that His plan is infinitely greater then your own. Allow your life to look differently then you thought it would.

Also, while I know that world mission trips are obviously not in God’s calling for everyone, I DO encourage you to seek out Focus International mission trips at APU and see if God is calling you to one. We are all called to be missionaries, some in their hometowns, some in Azusa, some in other states, and some globally. Seek out where God has called you as a missionary.

My amazing sisters and brothers in Christ that I got blessed to spend 2 months serving alongside.

A side note: If you are a new freshmen at APU, WELCOME. I cannot explain my excitement to see so many new faces around campus and to finally have campus filled after 3 weeks of Alpha Leader Training! I encourage you to seek out ministry opportunities at APU and pour yourself into others. One of the greatest things about APU is being handed so many options to serve others and glorify Jesus Christ.

And if you are reading this blog as a prospective student, I encourage you to do the same, except where you are at. Google away and search opportunities to serve and love on others. Trust me when I say that it is worth every second. Bringing glory to God, and purpose and joy to yourself.

God bless you all.

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Some Last Thoughts

Megan Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Next weeks marks finals week, and the last week of my freshmen year of college. The days keep going by faster and as much as I am excited for what next year and my entire future will look like, I find myself wishing time would somehow go by slower.

So here marks my freshmen year in a nutshell:

So excited to be moving into my new home!

Move-In day almost felt like it was straight out of a Hilary Duff movie (and I love Hilary Duff movies). Absolute madness, but one of the best days of my life. My stuff was moved in in no time and meeting my roommate was priceless.

Alpha Group 35!

My Alpha Group I met shortly after moving in and I had absolutely no idea what an alpha group even was. Come to find out, APU definitely prides itself on the whole Alpha experience, with a very good reason to. In the beginning, being with a group of 8 strangers was awkward (predictably), but by the end of Alpha I found myself wishing it would never end. Now I am going to be an Alpha Leader myself next year and could not be any more excited about it! It is one of the many ways that they help you transition easily to college life and meet new people you might not ordinarily meet.

Such a fun All-Access weekend!

Being an ambassador this year was the first commitment I made when I arrived at APU. It gave me the opportunity to host prospective students multiple times per year and be a part of All-Access weekends. It was such a blessing being able to see people fall in love with APU as I have. I cannot explain how many smiles and laughs I had during those weekends.

Young Life leaders!

Being a part of Young Life first semester was an experience I will never forget. I made priceless friendships and was able to serve God in the most amazing way. It was a new opportunity for me to put myself out there and love on high schoolers that were open to the Gospel.

Then, as God led me to no longer be a part of Young Life He led me toward being a part of the Office of World Mission’s Focus International mission teams. I found out at the beginning of second semester I would be going to Tanzania. I cannot explain how much God has been real to me through being able to be a part of this mission team. It has been without a doubt, one of the biggest blessings of being here at APU and I haven’t even left for the trip yet (it is in three weeks, crazy!). I never in a million years thought I would ever be going to Africa, it was never in my plan. But I realized that almost everything I have been changed by at APU was not originally in my plan. God’s plan is so much greater.

My hall in Trinity, Fourth South has been a huge part of my experience at APU as well. I have made so many life-long friends and I have learned so much by being able to live on my own and be a part of such a great community.

Spontaneous trip to The Hat with 4th South girls!

Last, but definitely not least, the courses that I have taken at APU so far have honestly changed my perspective on education altogether. I have had professors that changed my life because they changed my perspective on things in ways I never knew possible. Also, being a graphic design major, I am finally able to take design and art classes and it has been so much fun! I cannot explain how great it feels to finally be able to be educated in what I love. Also, words cannot do justice for how great of a blessing it is being educated by Christian professors. Each class (yes, even p.e., math, english, etc.) works faith and Christianity into its curriculum, which is amazing.

I think that everyone that knows me would know how much I would attest to APU being the greatest decision I have ever made. This year has been a crazy whirlwind of a year, but I have grown so much as a person and as a follower of Christ that I wouldn’t change it for the world.

If I were to give advice to incoming students at APU it would be to put yourself out there and do things that you never planned on doing. Enjoy living in the dorm while it lasts, because if you make the most of that experience, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. Don’t stress out, be excited for this year to come. And whatever you do, during the school year even though school can be stressful and overwhelming don’t let it get you to the point where you stop enjoying being here. Going to college is not forced, it is a privilege. Be excited, because a year from now, your life will be so different! The way that the community works here, and the way that God is present here, is enough to change your life alone.

Lastly, I want to say THANK YOU to all my readers for taking the time to keep updated on my experience here at APU! I appreciate it more then you’ll ever know!! If you have any questions feel free to comment and I would love to answer you! God bless.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

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one. more. month.

Megan Monday, April 11th, 2011

One more month of my freshmen year. The last time I will ever be a freshmen… in my life. Crazy. This year has seriously flown by faster then I ever thought it would. I feel like I just got here, move-in day seems like it was just yesterday. By far, it has been the best year of my life. I have met people that I can’t imagine living life without. I have met people that have inspired me, encouraged me, and shown me what it means to pursue Christ with all of your being. There are people that I can never repay for the way that they have poured into my life. I have grown as a person, and even more so I have grown in my relationship with God. The way I have experienced God while being here is extraordinary.

It is insane to think of how originally APU was not on my rater of colleges at all. I had a whole different plan, but this was God’s plan for me. And it is infinitely better then any other place I could have ended up. This is my home now, these people are like family. This community is like family. For some people, picking a college is all about the city your in, or the look of the campus, or how great their food is, or even how good the school name will look on your resume. While I would fare to say that there are so many schools that rank better at those things then APU, I would also fare to say that in terms of community and the people, APU ranks number one. I could never imagine myself anywhere else, surrounded by any other group of individuals.

Besides school ending next month, I have a little over one more month until I leave for my mission trip to Tanzania. It is surreal at this point. The way that God has opened doors for this trip, prepared me and equipped me personally for this trip, and bonded my team is just so amazing. It has been a true testimony to how God will get you somewhere if He really wants you there. God really wants me there. If I ended up at any other place, I would not be going on this mission trip in a month. And that in itself is just a weird thought. This mission trip IS where I am supposed to be, and APU got me here. I haven’t even been on the trip yet and I already cannot imagine my life without it.

One more month until I move out of the dorms. Oh boy, that’s going to be a sad day. I will miss spontaneous trips to ‘The Hat’ or ‘Donut Man’ or ‘In-N-Out.’ I will miss beach days with my hall and waking up at 3AM to pillow fights outside and girls screaming in the hall (I know, weird thing to miss right?). I will miss Monday night cramming into a room and watching The Bachelor. I will miss constantly having my door open and never being able to get homework done because people walk in every 2 seconds. I will miss moving my mattress into other rooms and having sleepovers. I will miss spontaneous dance parties and movie nights. I will miss getting ready for GYRAD and walking into the bathroom every morning to see the whole bathroom filled with girls getting ready. I will miss spending hours on end in the study room during finals, but never having a dull moment because there are 10 other girls studying in there too. I will miss never having to be alone, unless I choose to be. I will miss sitting out on Trinity Lawn doing homework on a beautiful sunny day. I will miss every single thing about living in the dorms, it was hands-down one of the greatest parts of my freshmen year. Some of the girls on my hall will be my friends for eternity (seriously).

But there are so many things to look forward to:

  • I am going to be an ALPHA LEADER next year, which I could not be any more excited about. I am so blessed to be able to pour into the lives of incoming freshmen. I can only hope that I influence the lives of my “alphies” as my alpha leader influenced my own.
  • Next year I will be living in an apartment with two of the girls on my hall. They are some of the most caring, encouraging, and fun girls I have ever met. I can’t wait.
  • My schedule of classes for next semester…. THREE art classes. So stoked.
  • Spring Semester I am planning on studying abroad (either South Africa, England, Italy, or London!)
  • Much far into the future… my Junior year… I am going to pursue being an R.A. for the freshmen in the dorms.

If you are going to be a freshmen at APU next year I have one piece of advice for you… GET EXCITED. Your life will be changed and will look nothing like what it does right now (in a good way). You will grow, learn, experience things you never imagined you would, and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Looking back, I enjoyed high school, but college is a new level of enjoyment.

If you are not going to be a freshmen at APU next year, GET EXCITED ANYWAYS. Be in prayer about where God is leading you, be pursuing Him, and rejoice in all that you do have right now.

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