Chi Alpha Reflection

I am currently a freshman at the College of Charleston and my life so far has been great! College life is quite a transition from high school, but I am definately enjoying it. The first few weeks of this semester were kind of a struggle for me because I was away from home and had to figure out how to do everything by myself. In addition to that I had to get in the routine of classes, network with new friends, and get familiar with the campus. I am also involved with our school’s Bonner Leader Program, which is a four-year civic leadership and development program highlighted by regular training and reflection activities, along with the requirement of 200 service hours per year. Through this program, I got the opportunity of interning with Coastal

For 17 years God has blessed me to serve alongside my husband as directors of Chi Alpha at the University of Texas at Arlington. During my time here, I have served and mentored hundreds of young women and internationals who now fulfill the mission of Chi Alpha in the marketplace and the world as pastors, missionaries, police officers, nurses, teachers, and social workers. I am especially thankful to walk with those students who came to faith, experienced discipleship, and the Holy Spirit empowered their lives through the ministry.

I have participated in many clubs where group work and leadership is a necessity: Model United Nations, First Class Leaders, Mu Alpha Theta, and National Honor Society. In these clubs, as well as in everyday life, I have been afforded the opportunity to share my values, listen to other’s opinions, and come together to find how we can share our values and ideas. However, my outreach and voice has been far more impactful in Mu Alpha Theta, a Math National Honor Society, and First Class Leaders where I gratefully serve on the Executive boards. I have organized many opportunities that have inspired members to commit philanthropic acts for tremendous charities, and in accordance there are numerous people that have received items that bring security

Ever since I was six years old, the year I was baptized, I have been on fire for the Lord. I attended a Christian school for eight years and have always been very involved at my church. My first experience outside of my “Christian bubble” was when I went to a public high school. For the first time in my life, I was out of my comfort zone. Being at a public school challenged my faith, strengthened my leadership skills, and forced me to branch out and meet people I would have never encountered otherwise. However, even though being at a public school helped strengthen my faith in ways I would have never guessed, I believe attending a Christian university—like Liberty—is the best choice to further my education. Going to college is new and exciting, but it can also be a demanding and intimidating experience. Being so far away from home, in a different environment,

I came into Norwalk Community College looking for a fresh start. I previously attended a 4 year university that became too much for me; attending school full-time, working 30 hours per week while trying to enjoy the college experience. At the cost of an “experience” I ended up failing most of my classes, putting my health at risk drowned by the tremendous amount of stress and just wanted to completely give up. Looking for a fresh start I decided to leave my University, and attend Norwalk Community College. Though this decision created self-doubt in the beginning, it soon came to my realization that it was the best decision I ever made. Immersed in an environment full of positive people, I was able to put my pieces back together.

While walking out of the building, I found myself walking the same path as a classmate who was also leaving. “What did you think of that, Taryn?” With a smile upon her face, she looked up and said, “I just love how great it is to have that time to fellowship and have with God during a stressful week.” Her answer summed up my feelings perfectly. “Have you joined?” Not

As a child growing up in San Diego, my youth has been nothing short of any teenager’s wildest dreams of living near the beach, having bonfires, and surfing on the weekends. Although this lifestyle is desired by many, I’ve always wanted something more out of what I do with my time. I want to go to Spring Hill College to become a humble professional in an industry, serve the most people, and learn about the world around me. My life was struggling for direction until I became active in the sport of volleyball and my religion flourished in the Catholic Church. These structures consume the majority of my service as I feel everyone deserves these opportunities for happiness and acceptance.

Faith can be defined as a spiritual entity that can shape a person’s confidence. My faith has influenced the young woman that I am today. I characterize myself as a person who is optimistic, intelligent, full of self-confidence, independent, and charismatic. My faith has delivered me through a lot of trials and tribulations. I come from a low income, single parent home, where the sight of Lupus and kidney failure is taking my mother’s life. These circumstances have made Carolina Medical Center my second home; I have celebrated Christmases and birthdays right beside my mother's hospital bed. Even though she is sick, we make time to give back to the community. As a child, I was taught the hard work of volunteering: from working with Operation Christmas Child, feeding the homeless, and volunteering at my church’s annual back to school drive. My journey has encouraged me to want to become a role model for young girls and women. I want to show them that your past does not define you, but the content of your character does. My mission to help young women strongly correlates with the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha

This semester has been a revelation for me in my spiritual walk and building relationships with others. I have taken what I have learned in this class to bless others and encourage them that they can make it because God loves them. During the times of witnessing and servant hood, I have found so, many people that just want someone to listen and love them. My perception of people has changed because now I feel that I am more compassionate now, sensitive to the needs of others, humble, loving, and willing to be servant.

After school, I am involved in a school group called National Honors Society, where I am expected to complete a certain amount of volunteer hours each semester. So, my social time tends to be with all of the other members of NHS planning the next activity we are going to get involved with. I enjoy getting to know people - especially people that are different from me. I have learned every person has a story, we just need to be quiet enough to hear it. I understand Cal Baptist to be a diverse community of people and this interests me. I hope to gain a new perspective and appreciation for our differences, as well as, our

Thank you very much for giving us enough money to cover VBS. It was a blessing for the church to not have to take that money out of their account. I really appreciate you all being willing givers.

My former position as the Woods College of Advancing Studies Manresa Experience Graduate Assistant at Boston College, included piloting a common formation experience program for non-traditional students. The program was aimed at providing non-traditional undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in and foster their professional, personal, and spiritual discernment. The program was guided by three themes: What is my vocation, calling, and purpose? What does it mean to be a Boston College Student? How do we incorporate faith into our decisions? The overall hope for this program was to cultivate a sense belonging for Woods College students within the school itself and within the larger Boston College community.

This past spring, I had the opportunity to tour Abilene Christian University for the first time. The administration at the university also allowed me to spend the night in the freshman dorms so I could have the full ACU experience. Prior to this visit, ACU had been one of my top college interests but after touring and getting a taste of what ACU was really like, I absolutely fell in love. I found that the people I met were open about their faith, I got to see firsthand how excellent the nursing department is, and I saw how easily students were able to get involved with the many programs ACU provides.

The strong Christian values fostered within Messiah College promote a healthy college experience as those values will become a continuous presence in my life. As a newly independent young adult, I will face a constant stream of tough decisions during college. No matter how strong-willed I think I am, if I lack the companionship of fellow Christians, I am susceptible to stray away from God’s light. As best said in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” I aspire to attend Messiah College to surround myself with Christian influences, including other people who share the same beliefs and principles that I wish to nurture in my own life. Non-Christian colleges lack the welcoming religious atmosphere that Messiah College has to offer. Messiah College will be my gateway to extending my

This summer, I got to see firsthand the way my liberal arts education impacts the way I share Christ. Along with ten other OBU students, I was given the privilege of serving through the North American Mission Board in Portland, Oregon. My job as a church-planting intern was to build relationships with unbelievers, share Christ with unbelievers, learn what it would be like to actually plant a church, and ultimately, learn to live life on mission.