Student Testimonials
Hear from some of the L.A. Term students about their experiences.
L.A. Term resurrected my faith. It showed me there was compatibility between my Christian faith and social justice issues.
— Rowan Mundhenk, Fall ‘04
I have never loved school as much as I did this semester. On-campus classes are nothing compared to the learning experience of L.A. Term. I loved the experiential learning. I can't learn like that when I am sitting in a classroom.
— Sarah Ball, Spring ‘04
Being in L.A. and seeing the issues and struggles in the city have forced me to look at where Christianity, God, and the Church intersect in addressing problems on social and political levels. I have been forced to look deeply into the reasons I believe what I believe and have found it's ok not knowing answers as long as I continue to seek them.
— Heidi Scharfenberg, Spring ‘04
It is an extremely broadening experience that allows the opportunity to see society from different viewpoints. This has been the most significant and meaningful part of my college experience to date.
— Jacob Sisson, Spring ‘04
Everything made L.A. Term worthy of participation. Most impacting is the hands-on experience, the program's flexibility, the excitement of challenging situations, the leaps and bounds of mind-opening knowledge gained, the small groups, and the homestay.
— Heather McMillan, Spring ‘04
One aspect that was particularly good was that every subject discussed had a face. I felt as though I learned what mattered to people from people.
— Brittany Henderson, Spring ‘04
I learned more this semester than I've learned during most of my on-campus semesters combined because it was so experiential. We read, we hear lectures, and then we talk to and interact with people in real life.
— Rachel Jendrjewski, Spring ‘04
I really enjoyed the site visits; they make the program come alive and are more than just words on a page or a class lecture.
— Krista Schell, Spring ‘03
It is a whole new way to look at Jesus. Everyone that complains that "we are in a bubble" at APU should experience L.A. Term.
— Ben Fairfield , Spring ‘03
I am glad that students from every major have the option of doing an L.A. Term. It is so important to live in a different environment and seek to understand those who we are called to serve.
— Annie Heirendt, Spring ‘03
I have definitely been opened up to a new way of seeing who God is and where His heart is. I have especially seen His heart for the oppressed. I have really begun to view God as so much greater than the box I place him in, and it has been amazing to find Him in places like Skid Row or the juvenile hall.
— Rachel Wall, Spring ‘03
I love the diversity God has created. I see pieces of God in people everywhere I go and I want to hear their stories.
— Alexis Cole, Spring ‘03, Taylor University
My experiences on L.A. term have caused me to look outside myself and see the scars, pain, hatred, struggle, issues, problems, and rage that are alive in me, and bring them before God.
— Adam Romick, Spring ‘03
I have seen a lot of pain, injustice, and oppression in this city that has caused me to question if God is present in those situations. I have also seen beauty in this city – beautiful people doing beautiful things. This causes me to believe that God is still alive and working through people and organizations.
— Andrew Gaines, Spring ‘03
All of L.A. Term is incredible – the hands-on, talking to people, walking around, taking the bus, our homestays, internships – it all gives us valid experiences and firsthand accounts. It's just great. It's how school should be.
— Alicia Schoenfeld, Spring ‘03
The hardest part [of my internship] was working with Jr. High students. However working with the kids turned out to be the best part of my internship when I realized they wanted me to stay. In the end it was very rewarding.
— Heather McMillan, Spring ‘04
Interned at Bresee Foundation, www.bresee.org
Through my internship, I saw a lot of what community development looks like. For me, it was good to see how long the process is and to look at the positive changes our ministry partners made because of their efforts.
— Brittany Henderson, Spring ‘04
The best part of my internship was the people. They taught me that change is possible one step at a time, and that you can't do it without hope. The hardest part was knowing I could do more.
— Kirsten Broughton, Spring ‘04
Letter to a supervisor:
Dear Alexia,
When I reflect upon my initial search for an internship fitting to me, there
is now no doubt in my mind that God put me exactly where I needed to be. I
feel privileged to work among such a fine group of people striving to help
one another live more fully. Now that my awareness on the subject
of living wage and the church's response to the community is broadened, there
is no way I will ever think or live the same. I will never again walk
into a hotel, or even an office, and not think of the unseen worker, struggling
to work his or her hardest for a fair wage. I have seen a glimpse of what
courage is as workers risk everything, when they practically have nothing.
I have witnessed humility and empathy as you extend your heart and energy to
this cause, fight after fight. Thank you for taking your supervisor position
to the next level with me. It has been quite an experience and has served
to stimulate a desire to continue organizing. I hope to continue our relationship
and have greatly enjoyed getting to know you and your family. I admire
your leadership, integrity, passion, and deep dedication to serve the Lord.
I would love to continue learning from you. Your support, encouragement,
and belief in me has been so gracious! Sí, Se Puede!
In Love with Him,
Maryada Vallet,
Spring '03
