campus life | who I am | my faith | spirituality in university
My life at university:
>It was tough adjusting to university life in my first year - I found the amount of studying to be so much more than highschool.
>I wanted to study sociology, since I was working with inner city kids and wanted to make a difference in that area.
>I liked my friends best in university and liked the studying the least! I liked being a sociology major, though, because it was such a broad discipline.
>To break the monotony of so many similar classes,it would be a good idea to take courses in other disciplines, too - broaden your knowledge.
>While I was working on my degree, I learned that a balanced life is a much happier life. I'm able to do a lot more than I am currently doing if I learn to manage my priorities well.
>A bad grade is not the end of the world.
>If you want to succeed in sociology, you need to use your common sense. Take advantage of the opportunities to study all sorts of other disciplines, too. Throw in some sciences, business, psychology, etc. - it will give you a better education in the long run.
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The guy I am:
>I'd hate to be without books. One of my favorite things to do is find a used bookstore and look for books to add to my collection.
>When I get alone, I'm a quiet guy, a reader. I love to crack jokes and do impersonations but I need my space, too.
>I'm most proud of being an influence in people's lives. It's what I wanted to do when I was in the inner city and it's what I've been able to do at university. I'm proud of people I mentor who choose to make a difference.
>I love classic rock, basketball, football and mexican food (yummmmm).
>Since I enjoy reading so much, I've read about a lot of great leaders, including John Mott who was the president of the Student Volunteer Movement which brought thousands of students together in an effort to change their world.
>I admire Abraham Lincoln, too. I'd love to meet him. He was an incredible leader in incredibly difficult times.
>The one thing that has left the deepest impression on my life is how much my dad has given to me... and given... and given my whole life. It's made me want to give to other people.
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My spiritual journey:
>My life and dreams have been shaped by my faith in Jesus Christ. He is a leader that I greatly admire. I thought God was good and powerful. I wanted to know Him - and Jesus.
>As a kid, I was afraid - especially afraid of death. When I was 9 years old, my mom told me that I could have assurance about where I was going when I died.
>In highschool, I learned more about who Jesus is and that He wanted the best for me and that I could entrust my life to Him. It was more than just reading about Him - it was a growing relationship of trust.
>That was a time when many of my friends abandoned me. I was taking a stand on things I believed and they didn't agree with me. I needed strength and God helped me to not be concerned with losing those friends.
>In university, I kept on learning about trusting God - believing that He was in control of my life.
>This helped me not to explode when things seemed to be falling apart with my studies. Though I wanted to do well, as I trusted God with my life, my grades lost their power to take away my peace of mind or my self-worth.
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Student spirituality :
>Spirituality really matters in a student's life. This is the time where you are setting your life patterns. It will be harder to turn to God later in life as the ruts get deeper.
>A student is on the verge of making all the important decisions in life - career, spouse, focus... God knows everything about you, including your future and He loves you.
>Who better than God to help you decide all these major issues?
>Knowing God has changed my life. I'm less angry than I was. More patient.
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