Student Testimonials
Hear from some of the L.A. Term students about their experiences.
I loved the experimental learning. It’s one thing to discuss a subject, but L.A. Term gave me the chance to actually see these issues in action. It made them real to me. It taught me more about people, myself, and the power of critical thinking than I ever imagined it would. It’s been life-changing.
— Kendra Oatis, journalism (Spring ’08)
I have never felt closer to Jesus. I feel like I understand His heart, mission, and ministry like I never have before. I feel like I was learning about Christ this whole semester, not just about the homeless, alien, or poor.
— Andrew Rowland, global studies (Fall ’07)
Christianity is no longer convenience and ease, and I find this fulfilling. I now have new eyes and a deeper sense of life in the “real world.” With this new knowledge comes new responsibility. It’s a lot easier to love the clean-cut college student than the unkempt homeless guy.
— Rochelle Younan, sociology (Fall ’07)
L.A. Term has not just taught me “head knowledge” or facts that I can spit out on a test, it has taught me real aspects of life. I feel like I am learning because I want to learn. I have probably learned more through this experience than I even realize at this point. It has been amazing.
— Dana Laube, global studies (Spring ’07)
It has caused me to realize how caring for the poor and fighting injustice are such substantial parts of the Bible and is the responsibility of Christians. I didn’t realize that I had overlooked those aspects before.
— Kristin Poynter, global studies (Fall ’08)
The homestay was the most outstanding aspect of L.A. Term. Living in the city was fun and the internship was a great opportunity, but the homestay is something that has set my L.A. Term experience apart from the rest of my college experience.
— Emily Overton, global studies (Spring ’07)
In my homestay, we are invited to family events, provided with great food, and were treated as if it was our home, too. I might miss it the most after L.A. Term is over.
— Bethany Grigsby, biblical studies (Spring ’08)
I am not asking why injustices happen anymore. Now it’s more of how and what are the effects of these injustices. I now see how everything can be connected to each other, and how much having a personal relationship with people can make a difference in our lives.
— Damaris Pereda, global studies (Fall ’07)
Working with the guys on Skid Row going through recovery was a massive encouragement for me. In all of their brokenness, I saw their strength in God. It made me realize that I have just as much brokenness before God and that His grace is more than sufficient to take care of it.
— Adam Szarzynski, global studies (Spring ’07)
Being on L.A. Term has given me the opportunity to discover the hope in Los Angeles and in the world. I have met and observed several people and organizations who are working to bring hope and change to people’s lives.
— Amber Oda, global studies (Spring ’07)
The best part of my experience? Besides amazing people, great food, and amazing coffee, I felt like every day I learned something and every day I got to meet someone and be directly involved in others’ lives.
— Andrew Riccadonna, business administration (Spring ’08)
During my internship, I saw first-hand how a non-profit organization has the ability to serve people extremely well and learned how to take part in it all.
— Jerry Van Dyk, global studies (Spring ’07)
This program was exciting, challenging, and difficult. I laughed, I cried, I prayed, I was worried, I was scared, I was joyful, I was hopeful, and I grew. All of these things made my time in L.A. worthy of my participation.
— Serena Manzo, global studies (Spring ’08)
L.A. Term really shook my beliefs and made me strip down my faith to the very core values. It made me view my faith in a really practical way, and that’s refreshing.
— Dory Diaz, global studies (Spring ’07)
I would say LA Term has made my faith real. That’s the only way I can describe it. It is authentic and genuine.
— Diandra Hoskins, global studies (Fall ’08)
It’s been so amazing to see God in all of these people around me. All of these people who are so different than me are all made in God’s image and really show me how much love He has for those in need. I’m glad just to be able to serve and love on God’s children.
— Jenna Battaglia, global studies (Fall ’08)
I have come to more deeply understand that Christ calls us to emulate Him by living a life of simplicity, justice, and love. By observing the ways Jesus responded to issues around Him, I see how I too can respond to issues surrounding me.
— Grace Marshall, sociology (Spring ’08)
This is what is worth living for. Through solitude with God, my heart will begin to break for the struggles and oppression faced by his people, enriching my faith and giving me a passion for those enduring struggles.
— Megan Hoffmann, global studies (Spring ’08)
What I learned on L.A. Term is something I could never learn in a classroom on campus; I experienced what I was learning as I was learning it.
— Samantha Aldulaimi, global studies (Spring ’08)
I find myself excited for the future and how God can use me. I am excited to see how I will continue to grow from what I learned this semester.
— Scott Adam, sociology (Fall ’07)
I find myself just wanting to learn and do and grow more. Who knows, maybe I will sell everything I own and live by faith for a while or go study the Torah with some orthodox Jews. Those guys are the bomb at Bible study.
— Chad Akins, global studies (Fall ’08)
