 By André Bordeaux
Azusa Pacific University ‘12
I came to Azusa Pacific University from a career in the United States Marine Corps. I will be graduating from APU with a bachelor’s degree in political science in May 2012. However, this is not my first experience in higher education. I attended Eastern Michigan University for one year directly after graduating from high school. I chose to join the Marines after only one year of study because I was unhappy with my major—mechanical engineering—and had no idea what I really wanted to do in life. My time in the Marines helped show me where my passion truly lies and how I wanted to impact the world for Jesus Christ through a faithful presence in government service. When I was preparing to leave the Marine Corps, I knew I wanted to finish my degree, which was by then nearly half complete due to college credits earned while in training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif. I began looking for a school to enroll in for the spring 2010 semester. Initially, I researched University of California schools in San Diego and Los Angeles, but I soon learned they did not accept transfer students during the middle of the academic year due to overcrowding within the U.C. system. Thankfully, my best friend suggested looking into a Christian university like APU or Vanguard University. I had never heard of a Christian university—Bible colleges, sure, but not a university. I found that at this point in my life the appeal of an education framed in the Christian faith was great. I applied to APU and Pepperdine and was accepted to both. In the end, my choice was made for me based on financial aid, and I am extremely happy with my choice. APU has a great tradition of non-traditional students, and I believe the school is the better for it. The communiversity department works hard to help transfers and non-traditional students get connected with the rest of the student body and sets up events just for this purpose. Because I have chosen to live off-campus during my time at APU, I wouldn't say that I am having the traditional experience as far as campus life is concerned. But given that many students live off-campus and commute, I don't feel as if I am the odd one out. If anything, I feel that I have a large sub-community with which I can connect on campus. I chose to attend BestSemester’s American Studies Program because it offered the chance for me to live in Washington, D.C., and experience the city. Since I plan on moving to D.C. after graduation, I thought it was an ideal opportunity to check whether I would enjoy it. ASP has been a singularly unique experience during my academic career. The focus on experiential learning has been a great opportunity to study how government and Christian faith can work together. As someone who has already worked in the "real world" as a Christian, I find that I am at an advantage when it comes to the internship experience. I have already reflected on and had to work through many of the questions the other students are facing (i.e. How does a Christian work in a non-Christian workplace and still live out their faith? What does that look like?). This has enabled me to talk with the other students about these questions and share with them my experiences and what God has shown me about how to answer these questions. Being an older student, both at APU and ASP, has given me the opportunity and privilege to be a mentor to the younger students. My experience in life and in work has taught me a great deal of life lessons, and I enjoy the chance to share them with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel it is one of the reasons God brought me to these programs where the vast majority of students have grown up attending Christian schools and have not been exposed to the secular working environment. However, it's not all roses and sunshine. Coming from the Marine Corps has presented a number of challenges in regards to relating to the younger students. There is a cultural disparity between the college student and the military (discipline, punctuality, respectfulness, cleanliness, etc). Attending school and living with others lacking the same character traits has been the most difficult adjustment to make. It is something that my fiancée, whom I met at APU, has been helping me to see from a wiser perspective, to see it as an opportunity to help these younger brothers (mostly) and sisters grow and mature. Looking back on my college career, I would not change a single aspect of it. God had a plan all along regarding my eventual return to the academic world, and I look forward to faithfully serving Him in my current role as a non-traditional student, taking advantage of these wonderful opportunities to help others and encourage them as they go through some of life's different seasons. |