Okay, so what if you already have a career and a family, but you want a new career? Meet Zareen, a physician assistant and mother of two, who’s getting top training in her profession. Despite having very little free time, she’s getting her masters in healthcare administration from the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. Her story is very compelling. How she’s balancing work and family. Zareen, over to you.
– Hi Alex, thank you for giving the opportunity to share my story. I lost both my parents at a very engaged in Pakistan. I was raised in East Africa, Tanzania. Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to be in healthcare. So now, I currently practice as a cardiothoracic physician assistant. I love the Adelphi University MBA program. It is designed to help everyone succeed, especially being a mother of two beautiful kids and a wife and working full-time in cardiothoracic service, I was able to work with the university, taking weekend classes. The best part of being an MBA is networking with teammates from all other professional fields. While completing my MBA, I was offered a leadership role at St. Francis Hospital Heart Center. I also won Eileen McDonald’s Scholarship and a trip to Germany. After my MBA, I’m planning to proceed my studies even further. I will definitely be able to teach in any PA program with the experience I now have. I want to pass this message to my kids and every student out there. It doesn’t matter what religion, what skin color or what nationality you have, if you put your 110% in an education, you will never regret it. This is my story. Back to you, Alex.
– I’m blown away by your stories, Zareen, it’s so inspiring to hear how you’re able to do it all. You’re setting a great example for your kids and for all of us. When it comes to the professions like business, education and social work, Adelphi is changing lives. Thanks again for that.
When we say Adelphi transforms lives, we’re talking about students like Areeba. She loved math, and Adelphi helped her turn that into a whole new career path. Adelphi’s career guidance is nationally awarded and her professors helped her find an amazing future. Let’s head over to the science building, and meet a future biomedical engineer. Areeba, please take it away.
– Thank you Alex. Hey everyone, it’s nice to see you all. With older siblings in the fields of engineering and medicine, I always had great role models growing up. When I first started Adelphi, I knew this was the place for me. I wasn’t quite sure of my career choice, but with the guidance of amazing professors, I found out I could major in math and double up in biology. Adelphi really stood out to me because of the small class sizes. I love the idea of professors focusing on students. I had great mentors here. Here at Adelphi, we offer individualized attention, immersive learning opportunities and award-winning career support. In my first year at Adelphi, I decided to pursue my passion and major and math. In 2018, I found out about an opportunity at Harvard and MIT’s Health Science and Technology Summer Institute. That was the moment that defined my career. There, I won the best poster award for my project in antibiotic resistance. Then, I joined the physics research lab and finished up my masters in applied math and data science. Here at Adelphi we offer many fast track degree programs, which allowed me to finish up my bachelor’s of science and master’s of science in four years. With a guidance and support from my amazing math professor, I’m now joining Tufts University in the upcoming fall to pursue my PhD in biomedical engineering. If it wasn’t for Adelphi, I never would have known I could have options like mixing math and biology. Adelphi changed my life and taught me anything is possible and to always pursue your interests. And that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Areeba, that’s great advice, especially for students who aren’t sure what they want to major in. Sounds like you’re well on your way to an amazing career. It’s awesome that a Adelphi, you are able to explore, blaze your own trail, and find your own path to success. Take care.
It’s awesome to know that Adelphi students get so much attention in class, but what’s it like outside the classroom? With over 90 clubs and activities, exciting athletics and intramurals, there’s lots of student life. Sarah’s here to tell us all about it. She’s super confident now, but that wasn’t always the case. Let’s find out why at the Panther statue. Take it away, Sarah.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I’m a senior psychology, major in Adelphi’s education program. I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was young, and Adelphi’s five-year master’s program for education, is what drew me into the school at first. But it’s not the only reason that I stayed. When I first came to Adelphi, I was scared to put myself out there, but it quickly changed when I met the amazing community here. These panthers inspired me to attend club meetings and explore different activities around campus. Starting with the student activities board. They were so welcoming and made me feel like I belonged. I am honored to say that I am now serving as the president of the very same club. From there, I joined a sorority. Joining a sorority has been by far one of the best experiences of my life. These girls became my best friends and support system to the past years. The wide range of Adelphi’s clubs and activities is surely something I have taken advantage of. They’re so important in helping students find one another and finding those with similar interests. The center for student and community engagement runs all clubs and organizations on campus. They’re are a great resource and support system for helping each student find what club is perfect for them. I am so happy that I chose Adelphi University. Adelphi has given me not only skills to use as a teacher, but it’s taught me how to work with others, take on leadership roles, and help new students do the same. When a student comes to Adelphi, they don’t just get an amazing college education, they get a great college experience. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Sarah, I absolutely love your journey becoming a student leader through all the amazing activities at Adelphi. I bet being in charge of a classroom will be a piece of cake for you now. And I love that five-year program saving you a year of tuition, very smart, but we expect nothing less from a future teacher. Thanks again.
Personal coaching from professors and a quick train ride to all the arts in New York City, that’s what makes Adelphi a perfect college for arts and humanities. Let’s meet, Isuri. She came here from the other side of the world to earn her BA and is now at Yale school of drama. Let’s head to the beautiful performing arts center. Isuri, it’s your time to roll. Let’s go.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey, y’all hope you’re having a great day today. I’m Isuri, I’m from Sri Lanka, and I am an Adelphi alumna from the class of 2018. Adelphi really helps me get involved right from the start of my move from Sri Lanka to New York. This place and the people helped me form meaningful relationships and have amazing memories. So I didn’t really have to miss home so much. I had great mentors in the theater department who got to know me for who I am and not just as a student, so the theater department really felt a lot like family to me. Speaking of family, my home at Adelphi, which is the performing arts center that we like to call PAC has numerous rehearsal and performance venues, so I had access to actors, musicians, and dancers. And the visual arts students would have exhibitions outside of our studios, so I really felt like I was immersed in the arts at all times. We also got to watch performances by outside artists. And I found myself going to the city almost every weekend to watch off Broadway performances, and that is a Testament to how close we are to the central hub of performing arts, which is New York City. After I graduated in 2018, I moved to the city and I worked as a professional actor and at a nonprofit that I was introduced to as a Jagger community fellows intern, which is a program that’s unique to Adelphi. I then decided to continue my training as an actor, and I’m currently at the school of drama at Yale, pursuing my masters in acting. I’ve learned that curiosity gets you far and the right community can aid you in your dreams. And that is what Adelphi did for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you so much for sharing your story, Isuri. It’s great to hear how amazing professors, fellow artists and trips to New York City, helped you learn your craft. The arts and the humanities like anthropology, languages, political science, all come alive at Adelphi. Isuri, we look forward to seeing you at the Tony’s real soon. Take care.
You all are going to love this next segment. Senior Willens is meeting us to share about the incredible educational experience he is having in the school of science and math. Willens is one of over 60 international students on campus. He comes to Asbury from Haiti, and has found a home here in Kentucky. Willens, please take it away.
– It’s great to be here, Alex. When I was in high school, I knew that going abroad for college would be in my best interest, but I didn’t know God had Asbury in His plan for me until I was introduced to the school by alumni who serve others in my home country of Haiti. When I moved to Wilmore, I expected everything to be a challenge, but my fears quickly disappeared when I arrived here. Asbury made sure I felt right at home, I even get to meet other international students on my very first week here. And we all learned more about American culture together. That was my first introduction to the incredible community here, and it is still helping me today. The authentic relationship with faculties and students, ensure that every student’s story is heard and that everyone finds their place here. Me, I found my place in the math department. Every year we get to participate in a worldwide competition called ComAp, where we use math to solve real world problems. During ComAp week, teams literally camp out in the math building, working together for solutions. We sharpen our collaborative and academic learning skills while also having a lot of fun. I love studying math in this close knit environment, alongside other majors, like computational science and engineering mathematics. And because of Asbury’s small size, I get to have the full college experience. For example, when I get to be in a part of the school sales team and get to represent the school in an intercollegiate sales competition, gaining sales skills, that will be useful in the future. And just a short walk from the math department are the fine arts students, who are spinning incredible pottery and composing beautiful music. The communities academic diversity is just as rich as its students. With over 150 areas of studies that Asbury offers, you’re sure to have an experience of a lifetime here. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Willens. It’s so good to hear about how easy it was for you to connect to the community here as an international student, and how you’ve gotten involved in many different academic clubs and teams. We are cheering you on in your next math competition. Cheers, Willens.
All right everyone, let’s head up the hill to the Luce physical activities center and home of Asbury athletics. Student athletes represent one third of the student body and compete in 16 sports, including cheerleading. Let’s meet one of these 360 student athletes, two time captain of the volleyball team, senior Bethany. Bethany is competing athletically on team AU, while also get a world-class education. And as a part of NCAA division three, these athletes are getting quality athletic experiences while also creating margin to be a true student athlete. Bethany, the court is all yours.
– Thanks Alex. Since childhood, sports and a team player identity have been an integral part of my life. When it came to choosing a college, I knew that I wanted to play volleyball and attend a smaller university where I would be personally known. Asbury was the perfect fit for what I loved and wanted to pursue. I feel blessed to be able to compete and represent Christ and Asbury through volleyball. Being an Asbury Eagle has given me a community like none other. On the court and off, leadership is a big part of my story. I represented athletics in Asbury student Congress, served as the president of the student athlete athletic advisory committee, and been voted a captain for two years on the volleyball team. Volleyball at Asbury has also given me the opportunity to give back. In 2019, I fell in love with Puerto Rico on our team’s mission trip and came back to serve people again, two years later. I credit Asbury athletics for these amazing opportunities. And I’m so grateful for the deeply impactful connections that I have made here. Being a part of team AU means being a part of a family. There’s never been a moment where I haven’t felt known by the faculty or other student athletes. This program is about developing team players who embody the light of Christ through their actions on the court and off. Also, athletics is entering into the NCAA division three, and I am ecstatic for our program, faculty and athletes to compete and represent Christ for a new audience. Asbury athletics has blessed me with the amazing opportunities to develop my work ethic, communication, time management, and leadership skills, in addition to empowering me to humbly walk with Christ in my next steps after Asbury. Back to you, Alex!
– Bethany, what a shining example of using your talents, abilities and leadership, all for the glory of Christ. It’s inspiring to hear your story and how Asbury athletics has shepherded a love of serving all over the world. Thanks again, Bethany, and good luck to the volleyball Eagles and all team AU this year.
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.
Okay next we will hear from a graduate student pursuing his MBA and getting real world experience in sport management as a graduate assistant in the athletics department. Colton, who spent three years as a captain on the Asbury baseball team, earning multiple honors over his career, including first team all conference his senior season, will share his story of transformation with us. Let’s meet him at the iconic Hughes auditorium, affectionately known as Chapel. Colton, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. I arrived at Asbury over three years ago and I can honestly say these have been the best three years of my life. I came into Wilmore at a challenging point in my life. Transferring from another school, I was struggling to know what my identity actually was. I came to Asbury because it was close to my hometown, but also so I could continue to play baseball, and God ended up using this place to change my life. As soon as I arrived on campus, I began to experience how spiritual life is a priority at Asbury. God began to fill me with chapel messages, three times a week, about who He is and what my identity is in Him. I was also surrounded with people who were showing me love and kindness that reflected more of Him. I was truly cared for and supported by professors, coaches, and staff at Asbury, who were passionate about helping me grow into adulthood, but also to deepen in my faith. God used Asbury to provide me with mentors who would invest in the man that He was calling me to become. Through Bible studies and the other tools, I was surrounded with people showing me what it looked like to live for God. Asbury offers these types of relationships that God can use transform lives. I was also able to be a part of a baseball program, where Christ is honored and reflected, through the way that we compete, but also through powerful relationships. In this past season, we were celebrated as the winningest baseball team in program history. Currently I’m earning an MBA degree, while I get to serve as a graduate assistant in the athletics program. God has used as very in incredible ways to shape my life by drawing me into a relationship with Him. And now I get to watch Him to continue to do this with new students. And He’s allowed me to join in on this work. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– What a powerful story, Colton. Thank you for sharing how spiritual life is a priority at Asbury. And through chapel, mentorship, and group Bible studies, God truly worked in your life. You’re an inspiration and we can’t wait to see what you do with what God has given you. Thanks again.
And now we’re going to meet Madeline. Madeline is a campus leader focused on her academics, but also likes to blow off some steam and hang out with friends on the weekends. Let’s head over to the beautiful reasoner green and find out what all there is to do in and around Asbury and Wilmore Kentucky. Take it away, Madeline.
– Thanks Alex. Growing up here in Wilmore, I always knew I wanted to go to Asbury. Even before I was a student, I was already welcomed into this incredible community. I love the small campus and classes, and how students have personal relationships with the professors. I also wanted a campus that would grow my faith, activate my future career, provide a place that felt like home, and help me cultivate intentional relationships. I knew early on that Asbury was the perfect fit for me. Part of what has made my experience here so special, is helping others create the same rich community that I enjoy. By working as a resident advisor for my floor, I’ve been able to serve others, plan events, create an amazing residence life experience and form lasting friendships. Although as we sit in the small town of Wilmore, Kentucky, it’s only 15 minutes from Lexington, a city with a spectrum of employers, ranging from creative small startups to large corporations. As well as entertainment, like concerts, amazing restaurants, horse industry events, museums, and major sporting events. Asbury is within driving distance from cities like Louisville, Cincinnati, Nashville, and Indianapolis. And what’s more exciting is if I want to explore the world, the Blue Grass Airport is right in our backyard. If you asked me what the perfect day here would look like, I would say grabbing a cup of coffee in our campus coffee shop, hiking or canoeing at the riverfront, enjoying ice cream with friends in beautiful downtown Wilmore, then heading into Lexington to do some thrifting, and then coming back to campus to cheer on some friends at an intermural game. I truly feel at home here at Asbury University. This is an amazing place. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Madeline. Now that does sound like a perfect day at Asbury. Thank you for sharing your story and some of the fun that students at AU have. I’m heading to check out those amazing hiking trails as soon as I can. Thanks again.
All right everyone, let’s head up the hill to the Luce physical activities center and home of Asbury athletics. Student athletes represent one third of the student body and compete in 16 sports, including cheerleading. Let’s meet one of these 360 student athletes, two time captain of the volleyball team, senior Bethany. Bethany is competing athletically on team AU, while also get a world-class education. And as a part of NCAA division three, these athletes are getting quality athletic experiences while also creating margin to be a true student athlete. Bethany, the court is all yours.
– Thanks Alex. Since childhood, sports and a team player identity have been an integral part of my life. When it came to choosing a college, I knew that I wanted to play volleyball and attend a smaller university where I would be personally known. Asbury was the perfect fit for what I loved and wanted to pursue. I feel blessed to be able to compete and represent Christ and Asbury through volleyball. Being an Asbury Eagle has given me a community like none other. On the court and off, leadership is a big part of my story. I represented athletics in Asbury student Congress, served as the president of the student athlete athletic advisory committee, and been voted a captain for two years on the volleyball team. Volleyball at Asbury has also given me the opportunity to give back. In 2019, I fell in love with Puerto Rico on our team’s mission trip and came back to serve people again, two years later. I credit Asbury athletics for these amazing opportunities. And I’m so grateful for the deeply impactful connections that I have made here. Being a part of team AU means being a part of a family. There’s never been a moment where I haven’t felt known by the faculty or other student athletes. This program is about developing team players who embody the light of Christ through their actions on the court and off. Also, athletics is entering into the NCAA division three, and I am ecstatic for our program, faculty and athletes to compete and represent Christ for a new audience. Asbury athletics has blessed me with the amazing opportunities to develop my work ethic, communication, time management, and leadership skills, in addition to empowering me to humbly walk with Christ in my next steps after Asbury. Back to you, Alex!
– Bethany, what a shining example of using your talents, abilities and leadership, all for the glory of Christ. It’s inspiring to hear your story and how Asbury athletics has shepherded a love of serving all over the world. Thanks again, Bethany, and good luck to the volleyball Eagles and all team AU this year.