I’m Bella, and I’m a fourth year student at Grace Christian University, where I’m studying psychology and plan to continue on to finish my master’s in leadership psychology through Grace’s 4+1 program. It’s been an incredible journey that’s shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve learned to apply practical knowledge with my faith in a way that has truly prepared me to make a difference as an ambassador for Christ.
How Grace’s Core Values Shape Our Learning
One of the first things I noticed at Grace is how seriously everyone embraces the university’s core values. In the psychology program, these values aren’t just words in a handbook; they are integrated into every lecture, conversation, and assignment. The professors’ commitment to Grace’s Bible-centered, ministry-focused approach brings our faith alive in each lesson. Their passion for grace theology and building transformational relationships inspires us to reflect Christ in every area of life. They teach every topic from a biblical perspective, reminding us constantly how vital it is to carry our faith into our work and out into the world.
My professors truly live out Grace’s core values in the classroom. It’s not unusual for us to pause during class to talk about how biblical principles connect with what we’re studying or pray before class. We’re constantly reminded to compare what we learn from psychological theories with God’s Word. The professors bring a spark to every class, showing us how we can be ambassadors for Christ by serving others, especially in a field like psychology.
Equipping Me to Bring the Gospel into Psychology
Grace’s psychology program does an amazing job preparing us to bring the gospel into this field. Our professors integrate core values, Bible-centered, ministry-focused, grace theology, and transformational relationships aren’t just emphasized in psychology; they’re integrated into every class, no matter the subject. What I love most is how our professors emphasize that psychology isn’t just a career but a calling. They help us see that our work can be a light in the world, something that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Building Lifelong Friendships
The friendships I’ve made here have been such a gift. I’ve grown close to my friends Renae, Jacob, and Alyssa. Renae and I will both be graduating with our master’s, so it’s been wonderful to go through this journey together. Jacob is one of my best friend’s boyfriends, and he brings a fun dynamic to our group. Alyssa transferred into the program, and I even helped her with the transition. It’s been so special to watch her find her place and purpose here at Grace.
One of the biggest blessings of the psychology program is our dean, Dr. Shaw. He’s been such a supportive mentor, someone I can always turn to. My favorite memory with him is just sitting in his office, grabbing coffee, and catching up on life. I remember the time I told him I was engaged; he gave me a fist bump, which felt so genuine and personal. Having a dean who cares about my life outside of classes is something I’m truly grateful for.
Grace is unique in how it fosters real, meaningful relationships between students and faculty. I’ve never experienced anything like it at other schools. We’re not just sitting in lectures; we’re engaging, laughing, and learning together. Some of my favorite moments are the dinners and movie nights with our professors; it’s like a big family. I don’t know of many places where students get to know their professors this well, and it’s something I’ll always cherish.
Faith in Every Aspect of Our Education
One thing that makes Grace so unique is how they teach us to bring our faith into every part of our lives. In the psychology program, we’re constantly reminded of the role that biblical principles play in helping and guiding our lives. We’re encouraged to use psychology as a tool not only to understand people but to serve them in a way that reflects Christ’s love.
The goal at Grace is to train us to be ambassadors for Christ wherever we go. The idea of “ministry-focused internships” isn’t just talk; we actually get out there, gaining real-world experience that helps us see how our faith and psychology can work together to help others. It’s made me realize that what we’re learning here isn’t just academic knowledge; it’s something we’re going to carry with us and use in every part of our lives.
Bringing My Knowledge into My Own Business
I’m so excited to bring what I’ve learned at Grace into my financial business. My partner and I have a financial firm, and everything I’ve studied here is going to help us grow the business in a way that reflects both our expertise and our values. At Grace, they encourage us to take our goals and find ways to connect them with our faith. My psychology degree is going to be an amazing asset as we serve our clients, and I feel fully equipped to be a light in whatever I do.
Moments I’ll Never Forget
Thinking back on my time here, it’s hard to choose just one favorite memory. Every class has been meaningful, from the engaging lectures filled with laughter to the coffee breaks where my friends and I catch up on life. Some of my favorite moments have been when we sit and intentionally take time out of our day to pray before class and to focus our hearts and minds on what truly is important . Every experience here feels like a step toward something bigger, a calling, a purpose.
I am so grateful to Grace Christian University for the chance to grow in my faith, make lifelong friends, and be truly prepared to use my psychology degree for good. Grace has been more than just a college for me; it’s been a community, a family, and a foundation for everything I hope to achieve. I feel ready to step out into the world as an ambassador for Christ, taking what I’ve learned here to help and serve others.
