Michelle's Journal « First-Year Student Journals

Profile

Tell us about yourself.

I'm the type of person who likes so many different things that it's hard to fit it all in 24 hours. Whether it's music (I play the piano and flute), spending time with friends, or trying to keep up with Torrey Honors classes, there's always something I want to do. I'm perpetually planning. I enjoy traveling and learning. I don't particularly like sleep.

What's a word or short phrase that best describes you?

On the move

What are some of your goals and aspirations?

There are a few huge goals I would love to accomplish in the long run, like being a diplomat in a foreign country, editing a major newspaper, becoming the president's speechwriter, etc. But for now, my goal is to make the most out of these four college years as possible. God has blessed me with the chance to come to Biola and to have the opportunity to seek His face with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to leave this place totally yielded to His perfect plans for my life.

What do you do in your free time?

I'm the world's biggest news junkie, so if a magazine or newspaper is anywhere in sight, either hide it or count on me wasting at least an hour reading it. I also love exploring all Southern California has to offer, from beaches to Disneyland.

Why did you choose Biola?

There are a lot of great schools out here, so settling on one was tough. What sold me on Biola is the fact that the Bible isn't just an afterthought here. When Biola calls itself a Christian school, it means it - everyone spends 30 units in Bible classes, chapel is a huge deal, and your testimony is more important than your SAT scores in the application. But Biolans aren't separatists - so many leave this place empowered in their faith and jump into the front lines of the secular workforce where they're making a huge splash for Christ. That was what impressed me most.

Where is your favorite place to hang out?

When we can get a ride, my friends and I like to go to Huntington Beach. Sometimes we study, but it usually ends up to be a lot more talking, laughing, and shopping than reading. When I can't get a ride, the cafeteria becomes one of my prime hangouts. There are so many cool people at Biola, and the food is fantastic, so mealtimes are always a hit in my book.

What makes you laugh?

There's one thing that never fails to make me laugh. Here at Biola, there's a student who opens his dorm window and blasts the stereo for all the passersby to hear. The funny part is his eclectic music selection. Depending on when you come by, you might hear Brazilian dance music, a stirring worship song, or some Aretha Franklin soul. One day, I walked past to a Celtic CD, the kind of stuff that reminds you of a nymph frolicking in an Irish meadow. Hearing his music wafting through campus just makes my day so much brighter!

Tell us one random childhood memory.

My first pet was a 10-cent Wal-Mart goldfish named Lucky. The name didn't suit him when, three days later, we found him floating at the top of his fishbowl. I was devastated and refused to be consoled, so my parents suggested we hold a funeral for him to celebrate his life. We buried him in the flowerbed, and I performed a simple graveside ceremony, marking the plot with a popsicle stick cross. It helped bring closure to a very dark time in my childhood. Since then, I've performed elaborate memorial services for fish, cats, and dogs, complete with a mini-sermons and "Amazing Grace" a cappella. Weird? Maybe. But it sure helped with the grieving process.