The Korean word jeong means intimate connection between people in community. Heejae Jeong, ’26, embodies jeong, demonstrating a love for deepening relationships with others and striving to share the joy he finds in Christ with everyone he encounters. His dedication to worshiping God through community led him to pursue a degree in international relations and honors humanities.
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Jeong grew up surrounded by a family with a strong work ethic. “After the war in 1950, South Korea was the second poorest country in the world. It’s in our DNA to work really hard,” he said. As a pastor’s kid, Jeong was taught to do everything for the glory of God. Though it wasn’t until 9th grade, when he started studying at Skysam International Christian School, that he experienced the presence of God during a prayer meeting, a moment that changed the trajectory of his life. “I realized that I am a sinner, but Jesus saved me, and my whole mind, body, and intellect accepted the existence of God,” Jeong said. His diligence along with his desire to follow God inform’s Jeong’s calling to love and serve others.
“I always work hard and continue to develop myself. I want to grow intellectually and spiritually.”
Inspired by graduates from his high school who attended and loved Azusa Pacific University, Jeong made the decision to move to the U.S. He knew he would fit right in with APU’s Christ-centered community. The Honors College played a significant role in his decision as well. “Since high school, I have wanted to study great books and philosophy, exploring fundamental questions of life through classic texts,” Jeong said.
Jeong’s goal is to one day help North Koreans experiencing oppression. He believes that God has a purpose for leading him here, and he hopes to use his international relations studies to further progress in unification. Jeong has had opportunities to meet North Korean refugees, hearing their testimonies and experiences as Christians who have lost loved ones to persecution. “It’s not a coincidence that I was born in South Korea,” Jeong said, “God has a purpose for that. While my goals sound idealistic and impossible, I believe that God can work even in impossible circumstances.”
As a student, Jeong has persevered through many challenges. He thanks his friends, professors, and the Writing Center staff, who have guided and assisted him while he adjusted to life in another country. Ultimately, he says that he owes his progress to God.
“God made me rely on Him,” Jeong said, “but through the help of those around me, God has provided me with support and grace in everything.”
Jeong loves the diverse, friendly culture at APU. Through interactions with friends of different backgrounds, he has broadened his love for others, strengthening his hope to create positive change through his scholarship and future career. Students who come across Jeong on campus are always greeted by a smile and wave, a true testament to jeong.
When he’s not spending time with friends or completing homework, Jeong enjoys watching baseball and soccer, as well as playing guitar and listening to worship music. The smiles he’s exchanged with students, songs he’s sung with friends, and deep questions he’s discussed with classmates, are just a few of the ways Jeong shines his light on campus. His diligence, perseverance, and love for others proves that with God, what seems impossible becomes possible, and with jeong, we deepen the community He has given us.
At six-years-old, Camille Campbell, ’25, moved with her family from Philadelphia to a city near Paris, France. Campbell’s father, a pastor, felt called to pursue ministry, and after falling in love with French culture on previous mission trips, his family joined him on a life-changing expedition.
Campbell had to learn French, without any prior knowledge of the language, in public school. Having been homeschooled in the U.S. before moving, Campbell was faced with not only a foreign language, but a foreign lifestyle. She recalls one day not speaking French, and the next understanding and responding effortlessly. As she grew older, Campbell grew to love the language, food, and culture surrounding her in France.
Adaptability has been paramount for Campbell through every stage of life, as she transferred to different schools for various reasons throughout her teenage years. She yearned to someday study in a Christian setting where she could freely worship and talk about God with others. While deciding which college to attend, Campbell’s parents remained in contact with friends in California whose daughter had chosen to go to Azusa Pacific University. Campbell felt a sense of security knowing at least one person here, and believed God was calling her to APU.
Campbell described her experience at APU so far as one of growth, freedom, and security. “Knowing I’d be here for four years allowed me to pull together all my previous experiences of who I am and solidify my identity,” she said. There were many moments in France where she did not fully feel like she belonged, whether it was because of her small accent or others simply knowing she was originally from America.
“Growing up, all I ever wanted was to fit in, but being at APU has given me the space to learn that it’s okay to be different. I wouldn’t change who I am,” Campbell said. “It’s more than okay to be a mix of cultures. I’d rather reflect that instead of conforming to others.” Meeting people at APU with similar experiences as her led Campbell to embrace both American and French culture.
As a biochemistry and honors humanities major, Campbell enjoys studying both of her passions. While most of her family members lean toward the creative side, Campbell has always gravitated toward science due to her fascination with the outdoors and God’s creation. She carries a heart for learning about different cultures and ideas. Her biggest dream is to move out of the country again, learn a new language, and enter the pharmaceutical field with a humanitarian approach. “Science is international because even in different languages, the concepts are the same,” she said. “I want to develop a non-profit through my work and find ways to help people, however God has planned.”
Faith in Christ is the most influential part of Campbell’s life. “Growing up in a Christian home allowed me to be able to turn to God when I couldn’t turn to anything else,” she said. Campbell developed a deep relationship with the Lord while living in a secular culture, pushing her to discover more about what it means to personally know God. “Faith has ultimately given me a love for different cultures because God created all of them, and it fuels my desire to embrace different backgrounds and diversity.”
As an American and French person, Campbell hopes to combine all unique aspects of herself in everything she does, especially when it comes to sharing her faith as a Christian. “I want to meet people from across the world and offer warmth and understanding in interactions,” Campbell said. She admires the French values of depth and intentionality in relationships, recalling friendships that have impacted her because of the accepting and curious nature of those who sought to learn about her perspective, even if it was different. “Many people in France search for truth and don’t view others as ‘other,’” she said. Campbell notices an element of joy in American culture, however, and hopes to continue cultivating happiness throughout her life, sharing warm smiles to anyone she encounters.
Campbell appreciates her journey across different cultures. “Despite all the hardships that come with not feeling like you fully belong in one place, there is so much beauty in being able to create a unique culture, allowing yourself to identify with more people than you would if you kept yourself in one specific environment.” Being able to gain a larger perspective on the world, recognizing beauty in different people, and adapting to new places has led Campbell to feel grateful for where God has led her, and she’s hopeful for what the future holds.
Efigenia (Gina) Ferrer Burnett’s, MSW ’22, family did not believe her when she came home from school one day and announced she was going to join the U.S. Army. Burnett was in high school, and aspired to become a police officer. While connecting with a cop through a school elective, the officer shared that law enforcement employers love hiring veterans. The seed was planted, and Burnett was committed to pursuing her goals. Little did she know how different the trajectory of her life would be through serving in the army.
Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Burnett’s family moved to the U.S. when she was a child. Growing up in Pomona, Calif., Burnett learned English mainly by watching cartoons with her seven sisters. As the third oldest sibling, she was surrounded by a strong support system, and is grateful for her sisters, who are her closest friends.
In 2003, two months after graduating high school, Burnett started training camp in Hawaii. At just 19-years-old, she was sent to Afghanistan for her first deployment. Burnett was a generator mechanic, but fulfilled whatever each mission dictated, whether that be bomb security, escorts, searches, or supporting units. She returned to Hawaii for another year, and when her contract was due she reenlisted for Fort Irwin, Calif. Burnett was deployed twice to Iraq. The most intense period of her service was her deployment to Guantanamo, Cuba, which is notorious for its unique, high profile setting, consisting of correctional facilities. After six-and-a-half years of active duty, ranking as a sergeant, Burnett joined the reserves in 2010, and focused on raising her daughter. Burnett’s dream of working in law enforcement came to fruition through her role as military police MP.
Burnett served in the military for a total of 12 years. Transitioning to the reserves and later back to full civilian life presented a number of challenges. She wanted to pursue her personal career goals, but often struggled when the mission always had to come first. When she left the military completely, Burnett went through a period of soul searching, feeling as though she had nothing to offer in any career path other than law enforcement. She later discovered that the leadership skills she learned in the army would last a lifetime, but she was holding onto a thread of hope. “Having to grow up in the military takes you away from having a normal social life and influences,” she said. “My experience in the army made me more grateful for the things I have now because I don’t take anything for granted.”
Burnett attended Mt. San Antonio College, and later earned a degree in sociology with a social work subplan at Cal Poly Pomona. Burnett’s guidance counselor suggested going to graduate school to broaden Burnett’s opportunities as a social worker. Azusa Pacific University’s proximity to Pomona, accredited Master of Social Work program, faith based values, and veterans resources led Burnett to choose APU in 2020. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at APU. The professors are supportive, understanding, and genuinely care about students,” she said. Learning about social work from a Christian perspective offered Burnett a foundation to enter the field with ethical values at the forefront of her thinking.
TyLee Manuel ’24 is a full time student athlete on the women’s basketball team. She has learned the importance of community through her teammates. “APU has shown me how to be grateful through the people that I’ve met and the relationships I’ve created,” she said.
Manuel’s passion for basketball began when she was five. “My mom encouraged me to play at a young age and I’ve developed my skills and love for the sport over time,” she said. Manuel attended Montana State Billings University for her freshman year, but quickly decided that she needed a change. However, she wanted to continue to play basketball. Manuel uploaded a video of her game highlights on Twitter. She was soon contacted by Azusa Pacific University recruiters via Instagram where she was put in contact with the school’s basketball coaches.
Manuel felt that California would be a good place for her, and she appreciated the smaller size of the school. “I transferred during Covid so I didn’t get to visit before starting,” she said. “I just took a chance, but it was a pivotal decision in my development as a person.” Manuel attributes her positive adjustment to a new state to her experience with basketball. “The hardest part of leaving home was not knowing how to navigate life without my family, but since I grew up being a student athlete my whole life, I had a smooth college transition because it was familiar.”
An important part of Manuel’s college journey has been the time she’s spent on a close knit team. “Being a full time student athlete is challenging, but also very exciting. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said.
“Being on the basketball team helped me find my community. My teammates are my best friends. I’m very close with them and I’m grateful for that.”
Manuel has also gotten the opportunity to grow her relationships through traveling to different states and countries with her team. Manuel’s favorite memory from her time at APU was in her sophomore year when her team beat Hawaii Pacific University in regionals. “We ended up going to nationals and made the Elite Eight which was an awesome experience.”
Her coach, T.J. Herdeman, has also played a significant role in Manuel’s time at APU. “Coach Hardeman’s mission is to develop us as people and athletes. I’ve learned a lot about myself from his mentorship,” she said. “I’ve learned how to be more confident in my decision making skills, how to get through hard times by leaning on others, and how important time management is.”
After graduation, Manuel plans to move to Arizona in August to start her career. “Although I’ve loved playing basketball at APU, I don’t plan on playing in the future unless it’s in a local recreational league or just for fun,” she said. “And I’m not sure exactly what I’m being called to do yet, but I do know I want to work in a job where I can help people.” As a marketing major, Manuel is considering a career in social media marketing. She currently serves as an intern in the admissions department. Through her internship, she has expanded her knowledge and passion for social media.
Manuel shared advice for prospective student athletes. “For anyone on the fence about being a student athlete, balancing school and sports,” she said, “give it a shot. I’m so glad I did.”
Book-lovers often enjoy reading for the sense of escapism stories provide; the ability to travel the world through ink on a page, embark on a journey with a character, and turn the final page with the feeling that they’ve experienced something life-changing. For Windy Counsell Petrie, PhD, chair of Azusa Pacific University’s Department of English, books have not only taken her on imaginary journeys, but her lifelong vocation to the literary world has provided her with multiple opportunities to travel and experience immersion in various cultures. She offers students the same comfort and joy that comes through literature by sharing her warm spirit and kindness that blooms like the roses outside her office.
Born and raised in San Diego, Petrie often stayed close to home. Her family’s only travel was to family reunions in the pacific northwest, and while she enjoyed roaming her relatives’ farms and ranches, books were where she truly explored different places. After high school, Petrie was drawn to Pepperdine primarily because of their great books curriculum. The stories she read came to life when she went on her first plane ride to study abroad in England and Russia. “I was fascinated immediately when I got to stay in Moscow. Russian authors wrote some of the greatest novels of the 19th century, and it was compelling to see the way their culture values literature,” she said.
After graduating from Pepperdine, Petrie’s desire to continue witnessing a plethora of perspectives on literature led her to pursue graduate school at the University of Delaware. “As a naive 20-year-old I only applied to schools on the east coast, and I discovered a completely different culture within America through that experience,” she said. For six years, she lived in Delaware with her husband Kyle–her high school sweetheart. Petrie continued to hone her understanding of written works, especially when analyzing authors for who they are as people. Her dissertation focused on women’s autobiographies. “My primary interest is in the humans who create the literature we appreciate. I love pairing what is already acclaimed with works that are lesser known.” She added how many in academia have parents who come from professional backgrounds, and as a working class Cal grant recipient, she hopes to uplift the untold stories that are just as impactful, influential, and captivating as the broadly canonized ones. Her first published book, Templates for Authorship: American Women’s Literary Autobiography of the 1930s, drew from her dissertation as she analyzed how a generation of women pursued writing as a path to personal and economic freedom.
After completing her PhD, Petrie and her husband decided to move back west. They agreed that their eastern limit was Denver, so when a job opened at Colorado Christian University (CCU), Petrie’s dream of teaching in higher education came true. “As a child I always wanted to play school with my friends, and before high school I thought to myself, ‘I would love to teach at the highest level possible.’ At the time I had no clue that meant being a professor, but I just continued down that route,” she said. Petrie taught at CCU for 15 years. She started her professorship a year after having her first son, Cade and she had her second son Heath after one year of teaching.
During Petrie’s time at CCU, she helped build up a thriving English department. She also earned a Fulbright award in 2006, which allowed her to spend a semester teaching in Lithuania. “That was the best experience for my whole family. I used to say that being a professor was the perfect counterbalance to raising children, and vice versa, but I didn’t have the time or energy to research and write on my own at the time,” she said. “So, I figured that teaching cross-culturally would give me the opportunity to learn intensely while staying committed as a mother.” Petrie’s family remembers their time in Lithuania together fondly. Her colleagues were inspired by her ability to further her growth as a scholar while creating enriching memories for her children.
Petrie discovered APU in 2016, when she and her husband wanted to return to the West Coast. “I’m a Californian at heart. In addition to my love for books, I love gardening and the ocean. Everyday I’m grateful that I can garden year-round here,” she said. When a position for the Department of English chair opened, God led Petrie and her family back to Southern California.
“Two huge aspects about APU drew me in: the wonderfully diverse community, and the fact that we offer faith integration while keeping open enrollment to students of all religious backgrounds.”
Petrie’s approach to teaching literature is to create a space where joy and meaningfulness coexist. “APU students bring a happy-seriousness to the table, and I love that because my goal as a professor is to show that we can have fun while studying a subject that has profound depth,” she said. Opening discussion to hear diverse perspectives and diminish preconceived notions about life and literature is something Petrie values. While she covers a broad range of literary topics, Russian literature is one of her favorites. “I love how frequently Russian writing touches on the spirituality of humans and often asks big, seemingly unanswerable questions.” Throughout her life, Petrie has engaged in multiple discussions about authors Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky with people inside and outside of academic contexts. She considers their work timeless.
As a leader, hospitality is the most important quality to Petrie. She strives to spend as much time with students as possible. She loves bonding with them in APU’s beautiful rose garden, where English faculty reside, for alfresco events. “I really enjoy when we can just be people together and celebrate each other’s gifts,” she said. When asked what she hopes students take away from her classes, Petrie said, “Never stop enjoying the gift of words. Beauty and understanding in literature don’t just comfort us; rather they enhance the lives of every individual who participates in creating or reading it. You’ll always keep learning if you keep reading.”
APU’s Honors College is also blessed to have Petrie’s involvement in their curriculum. She has written and delivered four plenary lectures, and looks forward to starting each fall semester by sharing about Dostoyevsky’s renowned novel The Brothers Karamazov to the junior class. Petrie has taught a colloquy before, which was impactful for both her and the students as they experienced deep conversations about literature and philosophy. Petrie teaches in the MA in English program as well. “I always have an eye open for where students can take their interests and gifts within the current academic conversation, but with graduate students that intensifies because I do my best to open doors for them,” she said.
Faith plays a significant and integrative role in teaching literature. To Petrie, pondering its immersion in her field is paramount. “Humans are the only created beings to have written language and think figuratively. Recognizing this special privilege means we must steward literature,” she said. When she was in graduate school, Petrie faced many challenges in secular literary spaces, as a number of people she met believed that it was impossible to be both an intellectual and Christian. Because of these challenges, she decided to teach in Christian higher education, which would allow her to prepare students for the big questions they might receive. She encourages them to hold on to their faith, sharing how scholars can embrace their Christianity and produce great work in the literary world. Petrie went on sabbatical in 2023 and is continuing to write a book about literature that highlights spiritual voices during an era that many deem to be secular. She recently presented “Watering the Wasteland: Spiritual Responses to American Literary Modernism” at the 2024 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Scholarship Jubilee to share her ideas and findings.
While Petrie has only published scholarly writing so far, she is excited to be working on a new creative project. “I have always struggled with being in the spotlight, and have felt shy my whole life,” she shared. Petrie has noticed others who carry the same hesitancy toward public speaking and leadership, which led her to start writing an autobiographical, creative nonfiction book full of research and anecdotes to help those who fear putting themselves out there.
“If you don’t show up for your life, your life won’t show up for you.”
When asked what genre her life would be if it were a book, she paused, reflecting on her journey, her various travels across the globe, raising two sons, and pursuing a rewarding career. “My life would be a gentle kind of comedy that always points readers toward understanding humility but feeling confident in their worth,” she said. “It would be satiric, but hopeful. In literary comedies, chaos turns to order, and I would want people to know that they’re okay even when they don’t feel like it.” Most importantly, there would be an element of gratitude, as Petrie gives thanks for the opportunities that have led her where she is today.
Petrie doesn’t just come to work to complete her tasks as a department chair and professor– she does everything with the same intentionality of a poet and thoughtfulness of an author. She is a reminder that one’s career can offer them joy, but it all comes down to the people she interacts and connects with who make her story as adventurous and fulfilling as it’s been. Like any great book, when students complete one of Petrie’s classes they exit transformed, happy for the knowledge they’ve gained but sad to turn the last page. Her optimism, wisdom, and compassion make her an educator who impacts students far beyond the textbook knowledge, inspiring them to write the story God has outlined for them.
Oftentimes, people choose a field of study that aligns with their passions, interests, and skill sets. For Alan Oda, PhD, entering psychology has not only allowed him to pursue all three of those things, but studying human development has given him the opportunities to strengthen his faith journey while helping others better understand their spiritual growth.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Oda went to UC Davis with the intention of earning a degree in veterinary medicine. “I found out I was allergic to a lot of animals, as well as my grade in organic chemistry class,” Oda said through a laugh. After earning a bachelor’s degree in human development, he enhanced his research skills in a general experimental psychology program at Cal State Northridge. He then attended UC Riverside for an MA in Psychology and a PhD with an emphasis in developmental psychology. While his research has primarily focused on adolescents and young adults, Oda has participated in studies across the human lifespan.
Oda made the most of his education by getting involved in volunteer work, internships, and research endeavors to use the tools he learned as a psychologist to create a positive impact in people’s lives. While volunteering at UCLA one summer as an undergraduate, Oda collaborated with researchers conducting various types of behavioral studies. He was offered a job as a lab tech in their Neuropsychiatric Institute.
During his time at UC Davis, Oda developed a strong relationship with Christ. He started attending a bible study, which later developed into a chapter of the Asian American Christian Fellowship. Through his involvement in campus ministry, Oda met his wife. He continues to serve in campus ministries, employing psychology to offer students perspective through their struggles and walks of faith. “Psychology is a tool to find God’s truth, not the source of it,” he said. Serving in ministry later became the groundwork for Oda’s contribution to the Faithful Change national research team for the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Oda was introduced to the notion that faith development is parallel to all other stages of human growth. He continues to encourage educators in Christian higher education to give students the space to ask big questions, as doing so is vital to spiritual development.
As the project assistant for the Western Region Asian American Project during his time at Cal State Northridge, Oda worked at the social agency to initiate educational programs and mental health services. “Many in specific ethnic communities tend to avoid mental health and social services, sometimes due to cultural ideas, or a lack of familiarity with the way these systems work,” he said. His experience through this project was the perfect segue into his role as executive director of the Asian American Christian Counseling Service. “I realized that many people seeking therapy were hesitant because they wanted a therapist who understood their heritage.” By combining his understanding of the ways faith shifts throughout one’s life, along with a diverse knowledge of Asian Pacific backgrounds as a Japanese American himself, Oda has truly used his calling in the psychology field to make a difference in countless lives.
In 1996, Oda started teaching at Azusa Pacific University after working at various public universities throughout LA. After teaching classes with nearly 300 students each, he was drawn to APU’s small class sizes, allowing him to deepen connections with the diverse population.
“That’s one of the things I enjoy most about APU: we have first generation students, people from multiple countries and all sorts of backgrounds. They each bring something new to the table,” he said.
While he enjoys teaching upper division courses about human development, Oda also finds fulfillment instructing general education courses because he meets students from varying majors.
For Oda, teaching is about more than disseminating information. Rather, he strives to implement what he knows about human development to offer a safe environment for growth, both academically and spiritually. “I want students to ask questions and I’m always open to meeting in and out of the classroom to talk about what their questions are,” he said. Most importantly, however, he hopes that even if students don’t remember the theories and facts they’re tested on, they leave his class with something to think about moving forward. “If something I teach sparks an idea to push students in the psychology field for the future, I’ve done my job.”
When Oda’s not engaging with students, preparing class materials, or completing tasks as chair of the Department of Psychology, he spends time with his wife, two sons, and their pets (including a chihuahua, a few fish, and a turtle). Oda is committed to volunteer work, and has traveled frequently to Japan ever since the 2011 tsunami to assist those in temporary housing and improve community education.
Students in Oda’s classes learn more than psychological terms and methods. Instead, they get to hear from someone who has applied psychology to create a positive contribution around the world. His enthusiasm, witty humor, and gentle demeanor are just a few of Oda’s qualities that make him an excellent educator.
For Larry Santiago, ’97, EdD, Azusa Pacific University is where he has felt God’s presence since he was an undergraduate. When he stepped foot on Cougar Walk for the first time 32 years ago, Santiago was certain that APU was where God was calling him to navigate his nursing journey. As a professor, Santiago implements the servant leadership skills he gleaned as an undergraduate to guide his students to discover their calling as well.
Santiago grew up in El Monte, Calif., and hoped to stay local while starting college. It did not take long for him to feel at home at APU. As a nursing student, Santiago recalls his undergraduate years as both the most challenging yet transformative, as he navigated early morning classes while being a commuter, devoting himself to the intensity of a rigorous program. “What I loved most about APU’s nursing program was the way professors stressed the spiritual side of patient care,” Santiago said. He shared how empathy was a quality he learned to embrace while gaining hands-on experience inside and outside of the classroom. “Working in hospitals means treating people on what might be the scariest day of their life, so approaching them with understanding and care is vital.” Santiago also greatly values resilience.
After graduating from APU, Santiago started working on the neurological floor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the country. Working in a fast paced environment required a lot of adjustment as Santiago applied the skills he had cultivated before into the start of his career. He later transitioned into pain management, and treated patients across all 44 floors at the hospital. He met his wife at Cedars-Sinai, who he will soon celebrate 21 years of marriage with.
A few years later, Santiago started doing heart monitoring at Arcadia Methodist (now USC Arcadia Hospital) in the telemetry unit. Many college students worked alongside him, and Santiago realized how much he enjoyed mentoring nursing students.
“I noticed I was feeling sad when the students finished their clinicals at the hospital, so that’s when I decided to pursue teaching.”
Santiago taught at Santa Monica College, and Citrus College, before going back to Cedars-Sinai and to be an Education Program Coordinator for seven years. In 2018, Santiago felt called to return to his alma mater, and began teaching in APU’s renowned Nursing program. “I was drawn into APU’s emphasis on quality. We continue to focus on producing great nurses, even though the program has tripled in size since the time I studied here,” he said. APU’s nursing program is unique because of the way faith integration is illustrated. “Faith goes beyond praying before class. Modeling Jesus’ behavior toward restoration allows us to be an instrument to extend His healing.”
It is important to Santiago to set an example of the servant leadership he encourages his students to embody. “I do my best to put my students’ needs above my own. Whether that’s through efficient communication or equipping them with the extra tools they need to succeed, I’ll be there for them,” he said. Santiago hopes students find fulfillment by knowing that there are multiple avenues available for them to take in the nursing field. “There’s a calling for you, and with experience God will lead you where you need to be.” He encourages students to make the most of their time at APU, and to always stay committed to learning new things.
When he’s not teaching students at APU’s Monrovia campus, Santiago spends most of his time reading. As a student in APU’s MA in English program, he hopes to continue broadening his knowledge of literature, a long-time passion of his. From true crime, to the history of baseball, Santiago loves getting lost in a book.
Santiago exhibits what it means to answer God’s vocational calling. By remaining committed to providing Christ-centered care through his actions, Santiago truly exemplifies discipleship. Students leave his class more prepared, motivated, and dedicated to offering holistic treatment to the patients they encounter.
Azusa Pacific University’s School of Nursing (SON) partnered with Azusa Unified School District (AUSD) to host eight “Ask-a-Nurse” pop-up events throughout the 2023-2024 school year with the goal of bringing health education and resources to the families of Azusa while giving nursing students a chance to learn about careers in community health. These events have been sponsored by a grant from the Canyon City Foundation.
Rather than having a clinical building, the SON attended community events including open houses and fairs held at schools throughout AUSD including Paramount Elementary, Charles H. Lee Elementary, Murray Elementary, and Valleydale Elementary. “Our aim was to bring the wellness center to where people already are to give easier access than if they came to us,” said Diane Newman, grants administrator and director of the Neighborhood Wellness Center.
The Neighborhood Wellness Center was established for nursing students to serve during their community rotations. Members of the community receive health education, group exercise, weight management lessons, and blood pressure checks.
Partnership events like these have allowed the SON to serve the community. The SON has also partnered with a vaccine clinic which allows them to administer vaccines at the events. In the fall semester they offered flu shots, and this semester they are offering Covid shots and vaccines necessary for school age children. Families can also receive physical and mental health clinic referrals as well as social service information.
“We’re focusing on prevention before treatment,” said Valerie Ver, a junior nursing major. “We communicate and explain to people how they can prevent getting to the point where acute care is needed. I’m learning how to engage in an effective way with community members.”
The pop-ups focused on accessibility for the community. “Easy access for families is essential,” said Paul Hernandez, Director of Student Support Services for AUSD. “Once people have this information, they can appropriately advocate for themselves.” When planning the events, Newman took into account that “people may lack transportation or experience a language barrier,” and the pop-ups helped remove these barriers while providing health services.
Opportunities to form personal connections within the community have been impactful for SON students.
“A big part of faith is serving others, and through these events I get to see from the perspective of community members,” Ver said. “The comfortable environment allows me to make valuable connections with the people I serve.”
The events have given AUSD nurses the chance to make connections with families as well. “Some parents don’t know what we do,” AUSD nurse Gema Bonaifacio said. “When they talk to us at the events, they are able to put names to faces and see that we are here for them and their children.”
Feedback from families attending the pop-up events has been overwhelmingly positive. APU and AUSD have hopes to grow their partnership in the future. “I would really like to see the continued growth of clinics that can provide help to our communities,” Hernandez said. “The information and accessibility the SON provides could be used for other information sessions as well.” Newman also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with AUSD. “I’m really grateful for our partnership with AUSD and for allowing us to put these events together,” Newman said. “Our faculty look forward to continuing our community outreach and helping Azusa residents.”
There’s no feeling quite as comforting as a warm cup of coffee in the morning, or an iced latte on a sunny afternoon. While savoring coffee is a daily ritual for many all over the world, Caitlin (Hill) Volk, ’07, has turned her love for a freshly brewed cup into a flourishing family business. For the past year, Inland Roasters has served California’s Central Valley with quality coffee that pays homage to her late father-in-law.
Originally from Portland, Ore., Caitlin always dreamed of living in California. After graduating from high school, she was drawn to Azusa Pacific University for its faith-based values, the school’s overall friendly atmosphere, and the impressive volleyball team, which she was a member of her sophomore year. Caitlin majored in Christian Ministries. Looking back, she considers APU the best Bible education possible, and cherishes the faith development she fostered during her undergraduate years.
Playing on APU’s volleyball team was a highlight of Caitlin’s college experience, as she strengthened bonds with her teammates. Other aspects of her college career that Caitlin reflects on with gratitude include living in the dorms, attending chapel more times than the school’s weekly requirement, and venturing on a mission trip to Japan to serve in youth ministry. “I truly thrived in APU’s environment,” Caitlin said. The theology department offered her the space to form her faith, frequently building upon her beliefs to discover God’s calling for Caitlin’s vocation.
During the summer, Caitlin worked at Camp Hammer in Santa Cruz, where she met her husband, Reid Volk. After graduating in 2007, Caitlin moved to the Santa Cruz area, got married in 2010, and earned an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. The couple moved to Turlock while pregnant with their first daughter, Cora (age 9), and had their second daughter, Everly (age 7), two years later.
Caitlin and her husband became immersed in coffee culture, spending time at coffee shops to socialize and study while living in Santa Cruz. Their java options were limited when they moved to Turlock, so after discussing their dreams of starting a business, the Volks set out to make the vision for their passion project a reality. “Even though we didn’t really know anything about how to make coffee at first, we took everything one step at a time and it’s been such a fun journey,” Caitlin said.
Brent Volk (Reid’s brother) and his wife Lizzie were immediately thrilled by the idea and helped form Inland Roasters. The company launched last summer, and all four members continue to contribute their individual talents. Reid is the head roaster, often experimenting with techniques to bring out different notes in the coffee beans, all picked at peak freshness and sourced from countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Kenya, and more. “Every variable can be leveraged in different ways in order to get a different experience,” he said. From the water and mineral content, to tweaking the water’s temperature, Reid loves sharing taste tests with Caitlin as they discover new hints of flavor in each roast.
Lizzie and Caitlin collaborate to market the company, keep track of sales, and reach out to other businesses in town. As stay-at-home moms with chronic health issues, both women are passionate about selling a safe and healthy product, free of the typical chemicals and mold content found in big brand coffee. Inland Roasters uses the Swiss Water® process, an all-natural method, for their decaffeinated roasts.
The Turlock community quickly fell in love with Inland Roasters, buying their coffee at farmers markets and online. Four restaurants and a coffee shop in the Central Valley serve Inland Roasters’ coffee, offering customers a decadent, fresh drink. Many enjoy their cup without any cream or sugar because the coffee is bursting with flavor on its own.
At the heart of Inland Roasters is the desire all four owners share to honor Reid and Brent’s father, Steve Volk. His passing in 2018 was a difficult season for the Volk family. Each roast is named after a memory of Steve. For example, the Vallarta Sunset is a reference to the family’s annual vacation to Puerto Vallarta, where Steve’s favorite thing to do on the trip was watch the sunset.
Through their thriving coffee business, the Volks are a testament to the ways in which pursuing one’s passion is an answer to God’s call. Their dedication to delivering a quality experience to all consumers reflects not only the family’s love for relishing a premium cup of coffee, but for gathering people together in community.
Reflecting on how APU shaped her into the business woman she is today, Caitlin is grateful for the spiritual formation she has cultivated ever since. “Everything I gained at APU was of the highest caliber, and I’ve held onto it ever since,” she said. Caitlin exercises her God-given talents by collaborating with her family to create something meaningful. More than just great coffee, Inland Roasters serves customers a comforting, sustainable experience.
Use code APU10 for 10% off your first purchase at InlandRoasters.com.
All her life, Vienna Christensen ’20 has been fascinated with travel, cultures, and serving others. As the daughter of missionaries, she never lived anywhere for longer than three years at a time. Her exposure to the beauty of different backgrounds combined with her heart for ministry through effective guidance led her to study sociology and honors humanities at Azusa Pacific University. She now serves as the Outreach Manager at World Relief Western Washington, assisting in refugee resettlement, drawing from what she experienced growing up and the ways her education expanded her understanding of others.
Before college, Christensen had already visited more than 20 countries. After high school she completed a few internships and short term mission trips. While living in Oregon, she started working in college ministry, engaging in discussions with various university students. Christensen felt called to pursue higher education, and toured a number of schools in Southern California. “I immediately felt like I could thrive at APU,” she said. Christensen started her studies in spring 2017.
Some of Christensen’s most fruitful and formative years of her life were at APU.“I’ve always loved reading and writing. The Honors College allowed me to enter a safe space where my peers and I could discuss our opinions about great books, and every student’s voice mattered as much as our professor’s,” she said. At the same time, as a sociology major, Christensen broadened her perspective on the ways societies shift and change one another, and often tied in what she learned into her honors papers and conversations. “Sociology is a tool to help understand the ever-changing flow of society and how we are both creating culture and being influenced by it at the same time.” All honors humanities majors work on a final capstone project called Oxbridge, where students collaborate to write and publish a book analyzing a piece of literature. Christensen looks back fondly on the chapter she wrote about John Milton’s Paradise Lost, where she intertwined her passion for sociology by arguing that the author was an exile exploring the relationship between other exiles in order to prove that refugee resettlement must be community based.
Apart from the enriching classroom experience, Christensen’s involvement in community taught her a number of valuable lessons that she continues to embody today. One of the things she misses most is attending chapel. “I wish I could still have brief moments throughout the week to worship, and hear from incredible speakers from all over the world. I didn’t realize the gravity of what I was privileged enough to partake in,” she said. Christensen was a resident advisor for two years, and thoroughly enjoyed creating a welcoming environment for students. She also worked for the Center of Student Action (now the Office of Service and Discipleship), which laid an excellent foundation for her career. She collaborated with non-profit organizations in Azusa helping undocumented immigrants prepare for citizenship. “College is what you make of it, so make the most of it!” she said. Christensen wishes she would have taken advantage of even more opportunities while they were available, but is grateful for the ways APU poured into her spiritual, professional, and personal life.
While Christensen found fulfillment in the many ways she made a difference in people’s lives on and off campus, one of the challenges she faced was learning to balance her commitments. “No matter what, there was always a leader at APU who was not just invested in my career journey, but me as a person,” she said. The life-changing mentors she met offered Christensen the comfort that God is big enough to carry the weight of whatever she’s going through, and to reduce the pressure to try to do everything herself. Learning to trust God and allow his healing to intercede through the people He placed in Christensen’s life is something she continues to foster.
Because of the wide range of experiences that Christensen embraced at APU, she was set for success while pursuing her goals after graduating. After being inspired by a guest speaker in one of her sociology classes who worked for a refugee resettlement agency, Christensen realized exactly where she was meant to make a difference. A mentor recommended she look into AmeriCorps, and Christensen discovered World Relief through a position as an intermediate and advanced ESL instructor. She quickly became a coordinator and trained community teams to walk alongside refugee families through their resettlement journey. For the past two years Christensen has been the Outreach Manager.
World Relief is one of ten resettlement agencies in the U.S. As a Christian non-profit, they strive to go above and beyond federal requirements. Refugees undergo a long, complicated process to earn resettlement in the U.S., and are given only 90 days to be fully self-sufficient. World Relief helps families through case work management, ensuring refugees are directed to the correct documents and employment programs to suit their needs. Additionally, community outreach broadens refugees’ inclusion in social engagement. Christensen’s job as the Outreach Manager is to connect newly arrived refugee families to welcoming communities. “At World Relief we believe that what we do isn’t just to the benefit of the refugees we serve, but also to the community as a whole, including individual volunteers and churches we partner with,” she said. To learn more about how you can be a part of welcoming your new neighbors visit worldrelief.org.
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