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.
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.