Hi, I’m Anna McGillicuddy. I’m a junior at Grace Christian University, and I’m a Communication major. I wasn’t sure what I wanted in a college at first, but once I visited Grace and saw how faith was fully integrated into everything, even my major, I knew it was where I was meant to be.
One of the biggest things that stood out to me right away was how the program is built around godly communication. It’s not just about learning to give a speech or write a professional email. Instead, it’s about asking, “How do I represent Christ well in the way I speak, lead, and listen?”
The Grace Community
And then there’s the community. That was a huge factor in my decision. At Grace, the people actually get to know you. Plus, the small class sizes make it easy to speak up, ask questions, and have conversations. Even more importantly, the professors are genuinely invested in your success academically and challenge you to grow in your faith.
As a result, being in this program has grown my faith in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve realized that being a good communicator starts with being connected to Christ. In fact, my classes have encouraged me to spend more time in the Bible and grow my relationship with Christ. Because when your words come from a place of truth and love, they carry real authenticity and empathy.
Becoming an Ambassador for Christ
One thing we talk about a lot at Grace is what it means to be an ambassador for Christ. That doesn’t just apply to ministry majors. Instead, it applies to everyone. No matter where you end up, whether you’re working in a church or in a hotel (like I do now), you’re called to represent Him. And that shows up in how you carry yourself, how you lead, how you speak, and how you care for the people around you.
Learning That Builds Confidence
That perspective came to life for me in my Professional Communication class. For example, we were assigned to do networking interviews with professionals in our field. It was such a valuable experience. I got to reach out to leaders in hospitality and ask questions about their work, their challenges, and how they live out their faith in the industry. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, in the best way.
Honestly, that class helped me realize how much I love hospitality. I’ve been working at a hotel, and I could definitely see myself stepping into a management role someday. There’s something really meaningful about creating a space where people feel welcomed and cared for.
How I Use My Grace Education in the Workplace
A lot of the skills I’ve learned at Grace, like teamwork, leadership, and communication, show up in my job every day. For instance, I’m more confident now when I give presentations, lead team meetings, or even just interact with coworkers and guests. I’ve learned how to listen well, give thoughtful feedback, and handle conflict in a Christ-honoring way.
When I interviewed one of my managers at the hotel for an assignment, they gave me such a new perspective. We talked about servant leadership and how good managers don’t just tell people what to do; they support them, guide them, and lead by example. Ultimately, that’s the kind of leader I want to be.
Advice for Future Students
If you’re in high school and wondering what to do next, I’d say this: Grace’s Communication program will prepare you for any professional setting. You’ll learn how to collaborate with others, present your ideas clearly, and lead with confidence. Most importantly, you’ll do it all while keeping your focus on Christ.
That’s what makes this place different. We’re not just being trained for careers; we’re being equipped to make an eternal impact for Christ.
