Best of Both Worlds

Transcript

Okay everyone, now it’s time to meet 2021 graduate, Grace. Grace has a story to share with you about her academic journey and how Asbury professors supported and encouraged her in a successful college career. I can’t wait for you to hear her story. Grace, take it away.

– Thank you, Alex. Hi friends. When I first started looking at colleges, I had no idea what I wanted to study. All I knew is that I wanted an academically rigorous institution with impressively high standards. And that’s exactly what I found at Asbury. The benefit of small classes meant I was quickly seen and known by my professors. At AU, your academic journey is highly personalized, based on your deepest passions and skillset. My double major of English and art and design put me in the cross hairs of some of Asbury’s finest, who became mentors on more than just academics. From the moment I stepped on campus, I was given opportunities to grow my capacity for leadership and learning, out of which I also made some of my dearest friends. From joining our scholar leaders forum, which included monthly dinners in my professor’s homes , to joining academic clubs, taking travel courses, like the one I took to Chicago to study urban sociology, to becoming an ambassador for the institution and signing on as a teaching assistant. After the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my plans to study abroad in Savia, Spain, I started on a year long independent research project with my art history professor. She was there every step of the way, with weekly meetings to discuss how my research would culminate in a senior project in partnership with Asbury Search symposium, a showcase and competition of student research. It’s a program unlike any other in the country, where students on projects that make us ask big questions and propel us to seek new possibilities. I created an original series of art events for our campus community that provided me with invaluable curatorial practice. After installing a temporary art exhibit in our student center by world renowned artist Steve Prince, we built a panel discussion and artists workshop with Steve as a guest of our campus, to promote and celebrate fine arts scholarship at Asbury. Asbury University has prepared me in extraordinary ways for my professional pursuits. Not only has this place strengthened my resolve to be a lifelong learner in a variety of disciplines, but it’s also provided me with real world connections and experience as I launch into this next phase of my life. And I know that my professors will continue to be mentors and friends as they push me to be my very best self. Just a piece of my story. Back to you, Alex.

– What an inspiring story of adaptability and perseverance Grace. The way you were able to shift your outcomes for good, even in the midst of a global pandemic, is inspiring. And the support you received from your professors and mentors is so encouraging. Thank you again for sharing your story.