In Focus

Meanwhile, other students were arriving by the minute. A mini van from Canyon City, California, stuffed with boxes, carried Josh Rice and his family to another canyon city- Azusa. His father, mother, and younger brother and sister all came to send him off. The beaming parents seemed as ecstatic about Josh's new life as he did.

As Josh waited to check in, he explained that he was first introduced to APU by his cousin, Annie McMillen '03, a nursing major. "She's the one who told me all about it," said Josh. In addition, his parents, both graduates of Biola University, encouraged him to pursue a Christian education. Like Christina, it was a visit to campus that persuaded Josh to choose APU.

"I decided to come here because it was really friendly," Josh said. "Some of the schools I visited weren't. I felt like I fit in with the kids here."

"We are glad he chose APU," said his mother, Sharon.

"But now who will have to help me with my computer?" added his father, Mike. (Josh, who declared computer science as his major, built his family's home computers.)

"I am a little nervous about getting settled," Josh admitted. He was unable to get in touch with his roommate before moving in and was not sure what to expect. But he was very enthusiastic about living in Smith Hall.

"When I came to visit, I loved how Smith was so close knit and how everyone hung out together," he explained.

As his family members moved in his prized computer (which he also built himself) and other personal possessions, he met his resident advisor, Marcus Robinson '02. A rug was placed on the floor and Josh began to unpack, wondering when his roommate would arrive.

Later, Josh discovered his roommate would not be attending APU. "I was a little disappointed," said Josh. But he quickly found camaraderie with others on his wing.

Josh's younger brother, Jeremy, carried in his contribution to Josh's college life-a skateboard Jeremy had built. Josh knows his brother will miss him, even if he doesn't come out and say it. "He's going to be a freshman in high school this year. So this summer we hung out a lot and I gave him advice," said Josh.

His junior high school sister, Heather, helped unload the car and posed for pictures. She shyly watched everything from a distance as if attempting to absorb as much of this place as possible.

Saying good bye to his parents wasn't too difficult. "They were cool about things," said Josh. "And I told them I'd talk to them in a couple of days."

"They told me that they loved me. I know we'll miss each other, but I am going to enjoy being on my own."

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