Arizona Christian University

I can’t believe I’m already a senior here at ACU! It seems like just yesterday when I was first walking through those doors with fear, excitement, curiosity, and an overwhelming desire to make these the best years of my life. As the years come and go I’ve begun to notice the wide array of emotions/desires other new freshmen feel. Some come with an enthusiasm to begin their course studies; others loathe the idea that they have to walk into another classroom after high school. Some of the athletes can’t wait to play in their first college game; others can’t wait to play in their first college videogame. Some come with an expectation to meet the love of their life within two weeks; others realize that it might take just a bit longer than that.

I’ve also noticed the varying demeanors that freshmen have toward God and Christianity. Some come because they are on fire for God and attending a Christian university is an answer to prayer, others come unsure about their beliefs and try to just “go with the flow”, and still others come hoping they can steer clear of anything dealing with God and Christianity for as long as possible. I wish I could say that everyone fell under the first category, but that is simply not the case. I also wish I could say that by the time each student leaves here they have shifted into the first category; but this too is simply not the case.

What I can say, though, about all three of these people groups is they have been given an amazing opportunity to grow in Christ. The faculty and staff here care about more than dollar bills and grades, they care about people. Here at ACU students are mentored, discipled, covered in prayer, lovingly held accountable, humbly served and skillfully educated by their superiors. Classes, chapel, service projects, fellowship, and intentional conversations teach students how to study God’s word, worship wholeheartedly, live prayerfully, and love others practically. These traits cannot be forced on anyone, but the environment of ACU provides a safe place where students can choose to take the next step toward maturity in their lives, regardless of where they are at spiritually.

I am so thankful to have attended ACU, and I am sure that it will continue to impact the lives of students just like me. The years will come and go, but the heart behind ACU will remain the same: to impact the world for Christ.