From www.taylor.edu - Taylor University, integrating faith and learning

Testimonials

Alicia Chew '07 (Malaysia)

As I flew in from Malaysia on a 24 hour journey by plane, only God knew the anxiousness I was feeling as I looked out the window of the airplane. There I saw only a vast sea of cornfields, flat land and little farm houses. The thought of being in a remote town like Upland for 4 years really blew my mind. Was I prepared to devote 4 precious years of my life at Taylor? To forgo the city life that I've grown accustomed to in Kuala Lumpur?

Well, after being in Taylor for only two months, I can safely say that it's possible. What I really enjoy about being in Taylor is the fact that even though Upland may be far from 'exciting' and 'happening', the programs and activities organized on campus are enough to make you busy every week.

So here I was, thinking that my social life was going to come to a halt, well, I was wrong. There have been tons of activities to pack up my schedule since the beginning of this year to the point that I have no room to breathe! From Game Days, to World Opportunities Week (WOW), Pick-a-Dates and weekend trips to Chicago! I absolutely love the campus life.

ISS has definitely played an important aspect in my experience here at Taylor. I've met an incredible core group of International students from the International Student Society (ISS) who have helped me settle down and adjust to the culture. I've been so blessed by their concern and availability at times when I really need them.

Right now, I am certain that Chapel services are helping me to grow in my relationship with God. It has been a tremendous blessing to listen and learn from God-fearing speakers from across the globe about their experiences and life lessons. It has helped me not only to grow spiritually but intellectually as to how to live an effective Christian life. So, I think I can conclude that going to chapel is my favorite thing to do on campus. It is always refreshing to come together as a body of Christ to worship and to hear God's Word.

 The mission statement for Taylor, which is integrating faith and learning, has really made an impact in my life. Everything that I've learnt in my classes so far has been an integration of my faith and learning, putting theory into practice. It's truly a blessing to be at Taylor!

Rhona Murungi '10

I am a freshman and majoring in accounting here at Taylor University.  It took me thirty one hours to get from Uganda, which is my home, to attend Taylor!  It is a long way from home, but I must admit that in my brief time here at Taylor, I have come to think of it as a home away from home as I find myself constantly surrounded by the love and care of Taylor faculty, staff and students;  the feeling of being so far away from home fades.

I am not certain I chose Taylor, but God did, and He could not have done a better job.  He knew what I wanted and what I needed - a Christian University with a strong emphasis on the integration of faith and learning, that would challenge me spiritually, academically, and athletically. 

I am a proud member of the Trojans tennis team, the Bergwall (residence hall) family, and I am on the committee for the 2010 student body.  I am excited to be at Taylor for the next four year and to be continuously pushed out of my comfort zone.  God continues to be faithful and gracious to me.  I would not trade my opportunity to be a part of this amazing family of God for anything!

Doris Mvano (Ugandan)

My name is Doris Mvano.  I was born in Kenya, lived in Tanzania for most of my childhood, but I am actually Ugandan- talk about diversity, huh? 

I am a junior and an International Business/Systems major.  One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I alone know the plans I have for you, plans not to harm you but to give you hope and future." The fact that I'm at Taylor today is just one of the many ways God has been moving faithfully in my life.  I have learned that when you truly desire and believe in faith, God will fulfill deepest longings, in His will and his timing. 

I played volleyball throughout high school in Uganda, unaware that it would take me places.  During my senior year, my coach told me about Christine Amony, a Taylor graduate, who was volleyball player at Taylor University.   With the help of Christine and the volleyball coach, God made my dreams a reality! 

However, the road to Taylor was not as smooth as I had hoped, it took fervent prayers, support from my family and friends, and perseverance.  Today, I am part of the Taylor University Volleyball team.  It is amazing to play be able to play a sport that I love so much with such fun, hard-working, disciplined women of God.  The volleyball program has stretched me and built me to be the best I can be.

I also enjoy other activities organized by the International Student Society (ISS).  It is so refreshing to fellowship and bond with students from various nations all around the world.  Being far away from home has its challenges, but I believe that ISS has helped me to feel at home.  We build our friendship through excursions, road trips, Chai chat night, and soup nights.  Taylor University is a community that fosters spiritual development in every individual.  I strongly believe that God has His hand on Taylor University and is ready to do mighty things through the student body and staff!

Francisco Osorio '08 (Cuenca-Ecuador)

Learning about a different culture, studying a foreign language, and living on campus something that every student should experience, and why not in a Christian Community? 

One of the things that impacted me the most at this university is to see the commitment that Taylor students have for their faith in Christ.  Not only I am able to witness this at Taylor chapels, but on a regular basis through prayer meetings, accountability partners, and Bible study with the men on my wing.  These are all part of the whole Taylor experience! 

Also, I love the unity that has developed on my floor through events such as Xbox tournaments, intramural games (soccer being my favorite!), cookouts, slip and slide and so many more!  I'm almost certain that this will be one of the best experiences of my life as I'm being prepared academically by learned professors, and being guided and challenged spiritually by the student body.