If you’ve been looking at APU for much time, you’ll probably have heard/seen the phrase: God First, and perhaps have also heard about the four cornerstones that this university finds it’s strength and mission within. I hope that throughout this year I’ll explore these four cornerstones in depth and let you see how APU truly embraces them and demonstrates their importance in the everyday workings of this amazing place I call home.
The four cornerstones are: CHRIST, SCHOLARSHIP, COMMUNITY, SERVICE. To see more detail check out this page.
Today I experienced two of these cornerstones through a conversation with a professor today that really encouraged me. I know it might sound like one of those “get-ya-in-the-door, but not really true” admission statements that a lot of schools use (which actually I’ve never found to be true with APU… they are pretty great at being honest with you)…. but nevertheless: Professors REALLY REALLY REALLY care and love and pray for and are there for their students. Whether it be encouraging one in the their faith, their homework, their future planning, their life struggles, or whatever, honestly, professors are the core of this university.
……That shouldn’t sound funny, but it does……. probably because there is SO much going on at APU, so many rad things, that sometimes I think we forget what we are really here for. APU is a lot of fun, a great place to make friends for life, to play sports, or sing in amazingly talented choirs. But we are here to, first and foremost serve God by pursuing excellence (not in a worldly sense though) in our studies. Professors are the life-blood of this university, they are the people who serve us students day to day by walking us forward into a greater awareness and a greater knowledge of the world around us and of ourselves.
I think this year, as the third week of classes starts up, I’ve started to realize the treasure and blessing God has given me by the men and women who teach here, who teach me, who challenge me to become something great, who push me to discover the potential they see. Today, I had a chat with a prof today after class, and through his honest words and wise encouragements, I was encouraged to realize my potential in writing, and making a life out of that potential. My freshman year wouldn’t have been the richly challenging experience it was without these professors, these people who are SO willing to walk alongside you. Every staff member here fully admits to being a follower of Christ as a requirement of working at APU and to live that out in their studies, in their classes, and in their conversations. The true TALENT and GENIUS we have at this school is astounding, and the fact that these BRILLIANT people are so willing to encourage and support and fight for their students is truly a testament to the unique attitude and environment that is APU.
I know this blog was a long one about something maybe you aren’t super interested in, because it is a lot of fun to look at all the other things APU offers, like amazing community, crazy study abroad opportunities, and a seriously awesome athletic program. But know that in the end, you are coming to APU for the University part, for the learning (not that that can’t be fun… just see my post on my hebrew class) and also know that here at APU you’ll find professors who are not only leaders in their field of study, but who care (I mean seriously care) about their students and are excited about them excelling and learning and loving their studies just as much as they do.
Anthony Prince, ’05, is doing some amazing things with the Children’s Ministry at his church. This is no ordinary VBS – check out his story, practical tips, and passion for kids HERE.
