The 2020-2021 school year was quite a challenge for the students and faculty of Andrews University. Countless plans filled with ambition and hope had to be put aside, and innumerable adjustments and cancellations were made. However, many expect and hope that this academic year will be different as Andrews University takes steps to transition back to the way it was before. The pandemic has left many individuals with the fear of uncertainty regarding their futures. However, AU students are leaving their fears behind and setting new goals filled with positive spirits and high expectations to actively pursue their academic, spiritual, and career goals for the new 2021-2022 school year. The Student Movement would like to share a snapshot of those students’ aspirations.
Arianna Dice (junior, biology)
As a transferring junior this year, my goals are to create lasting memories with great friends, grow academically, and develop a clearer picture of how God wants to move in my professional and spiritual life.
Jonathan Homan (senior, mathematics and physics)
My goals this year are to make the most out of my classes and graduate this year. I want to make some good memories that I’ll keep for long after I graduate.
Glenielle Sta Ana (freshman, speech pathology)
My goals this year are to get closer to God, make genuine friendships, and do my best in whatever I do, whether it be spiritually or academically.
Miriam Tesfay (junior, medical laboratory science)
My goals this year are to remember that education is not to be emphasized as only a degree but as the journey of growth and learning in all aspects of life (physical, mental, spiritual) and the attaining of knowledge that will be of value to help someone. My second goal is to not compare myself to others but walk on the journey that God has me in and be happy for others and content with where I am. Lastly, I want to reach out for help (when I need it).
Isaiah Elysee (junior, finance)
My goal this year was to get an internship for the upcoming 2022 summer. Happily, it’s already been accomplished, as I’m going to be interning for a really good company. Another goal is to get more active on and off campus. I’ve been running off campus to the beach, malls, movies, and et cetera to get some fun in. On campus, I’ve taken on the role as the VP of Finance for ENACTUS. One of my biggest goals is to create partnerships with some local banks to secure creative scholarships for our ENACTUS members...we’ll see how that goes.
Gina Park (sophomore, music)
My goal for this year is improving my time management skills. I want to efficiently manage and balance my study, extra curricular, and personal life.
Oriel Paulino-Peña (freshman, computer science)
My goal this semester is to have a closer relationship with Christ and to learn more about him and the Bible. That is why I chose to come here to Andrews University, because here I can learn more about what I want to do for the rest of my life as a career, but I can also have a close relationship with God.
Carolina Smith (sophomore, animal science)
My goals this year are to learn as much as I can and make use of the opportunity I have (on-campus) to pursue higher education. My main long term goal is to get into veterinary school and find a workplace environment that I enjoy.
Joshua Deonarine (junior, finance)
My goals this year are to continue to prepare for my career, as I would like to become a consultant at a Big 4 or MBB firm after graduating college. I am also planning to engage in various on-campus activities as I am assuming several leadership positions including: Vice President of Finance for AUSA, President of Enactus, and Public Relations Officer of SASA (South Asian Student Association).
Amina Young-Poon (senior, global studies and Spanish)
My goal this school year is to focus on four topics: compassion, freedom, doing my best, and being present, while keeping in mind that so many things have happened and changed in our personal lives with all that’s going on in the world. First, compassion because I want to have patience with myself. I have found it extremely hard to focus nowadays. And that’s okay. I’m learning to slow down and be more considerate of myself and what I am feeling, even if that means taking a nap or taking a long break. Second, freedom because I want to give myself time to be silly, explore and take breaks. Third, choosing to do my best and accepting that my best may not look the same everyday. Lastly, I choose being present, because taking life one day at a time is important.
Natalie Perez (freshman, religion)
My goals this school year are to say yes to new fun things and to get involved. I also want to focus on making sure I have good grades, continuing to grow in my relationship with God, and helping others that might be struggling in their relationship with God!
Sion Kim (sophomore, medical laboratory science)
My goals for this school year are to grow more physically, spiritually, and academically. I want to try new things, exercise more, spend more time with my family and friends, learn how to manage time better, spend time with God, and learn more about Him each day.
Noe Reyes (junior, mathematics)
My goals this year include academic success and career opportunities, but my most important goal is building a closer relationship with God. Even though this is an SDA campus, I feel as though we get so caught up with homework and studying that we forget who brought us here in the first place. This year, I hope to look to God as my closest friend, someone who forgives every mistake and heals every wound.
Stherline Larisma (senior, biology)
My goal this semester is to definitely raise that GPA so that by the time I apply to med school, it will be as beautiful as it can be! I also would like to really come out of my “shell.” I was already a shy person and the isolation of COVID really just made it even easier to keep to myself; with everyone in their corner masked up doing their own thing and having limited interactions. But since I’ve been back on campus I’ve been trying to do things out of my comfort zone, talk to different people, and make new friends… which is bittersweet because I probably won’t see them after this semester. Overall, I’m just trying to better myself and become the best version of me at this stage of life that I am in, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit of course!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.