As I reflect on my journey at Grace Christian University, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. Completing this degree represents far more for me than finishing assignments or passing courses. It represents years of perseverance, growth, and most importantly, transformation. When I began my studies, I was unsure of my academic voice and often questioned whether I truly belonged in a university setting. English is my second language, and in many ways even my third, as I was born in Romania and attended a French girls’ school. Writing and speaking in academic contexts require courage and persistence. Yet over time, with encouragement from professors and classmates, I learned that growth often happens exactly when we step into spaces that feel uncomfortable.
A Deeper Faith Through My Time at Grace
Some of the highlights of my time at Grace were the moments when learning moved beyond theory and began shaping how I see people and the world around me. Courses in psychology, theology, and research challenged me to think critically while also strengthening my faith. I especially appreciate how Grace consistently integrates a Christian worldview into academic study. Being raised in the Greek Orthodox tradition gave me a strong foundation of faith, but my time at Grace deepened my understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and strengthened my personal relationship with Him. That growth has profoundly impacted my academic life and, very much, my relationships with my husband, my children, and those I serve.
Perseverance Through Difficult Seasons
This journey was not completed in an easy season of life. During my time at Grace, I walked through the loss of both my father and my father-in-law while taking care of two elderly and recently widowed mothers, balancing the responsibilities of family life as a mother and as the wife of a California fire captain, and, not least, my professional responsibilities in home health and hospice leadership. More recently, the agency where I worked for over a decade unexpectedly closed its doors just before graduation. There were moments when continuing felt overwhelming, yet each challenge reminded me that perseverance is not only personal strength but often God’s grace sustaining us when we feel weakest. Looking back, I see that those difficult seasons became some of the most formative.
The People Who Shaped the Journey
Many people at Grace made a lasting impact on me. Professor Timothy Lampley gave me confidence in my academic voice by referring to me as a “scholar” at a time when I felt uncertain. Dr. Janice Schregardus and Dr. Dawn Rodgers-DeFouw consistently challenged me to think critically and refine my work through mentorship rather than criticism. Professor Timothy Rumley strengthened my graduate-level writing and taught me that clear thinking matters more than complicated language. Dr. Scott Myers affirmed the depth of my theological reflection and reminded me that scholarship can serve the Church. My success coach, Dr. Alicia McCullar, offered encouragement, practical guidance, and prayer during some of the most difficult moments of my journey. Professor Emilee Prins also played an important role by guiding me through both my associate and bachelor’s capstone experiences, helping me bring together everything I had learned and complete these final stages with clarity and confidence.
I also want to mention Professor Thomas D. Schwartz, though his impact was anything but small. He is an incredible professor who deeply shaped my understanding of who God is. In one of my papers, he wrote that God had given me “a very fine intellect” and that it was clear I loved the Lord with all my heart and mind. His encouragement meant a great deal to me, and it is another reminder of how many professors at Grace helped shape our growth along the way. Each of these individuals helped shape my confidence as a scholar and contributed to my academic and spiritual development.
Stepping Forward with Purpose
Compared to when I began, I now feel more prepared academically and, most importantly, personally. Grace helped refine my ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and integrate psychology with faith. It also clarified my calling toward Christian counseling and strengthened my desire to serve others with compassion and wisdom. I leave this program with a deeper understanding that education is not simply about gaining knowledge but about allowing that knowledge to shape our character and purpose. I am also grateful to you all, my classmates. Even though we study online and live in different places, the discussions, encouragement, and shared experiences created a sense of community that made the journey less isolating. Seeing others persevere through their own challenges reminded me that we were walking this road together.
Equipped to Step Forward and Serve
If I had to summarize my experience in one sentence, it would be this: Grace Christian University did not just educate me; it strengthened my faith, refined my voice as a scholar, and prepared me to step forward and serve others with greater wisdom, humility, and compassion. As I step into the next season, I hold on to the promise of Scripture (and I hope and pray that you will all do the same): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, English Standard Version Bible, 2016).
