An Invitation To Belong

Transcript

Now let’s head over to the Canyon Worship Music Studio here on campus. What a studio This is by the way. Here we’re gonna meet up with Melissa, a mother of a student who went to school here at GCU. And her story will warm any parent’s heart as they send their kid off to college. Melissa, please take it away.

– Thank you, Alex. So this must be the mom portion of the show, and I’m excited to share with you our experience as a family from our son’s freshman year as a Lope through his recent graduation. My beautiful gift of a spirited and idiosyncratic kid, who never slept, never left my side, recited stats and facts was on his way to a path that looked rather different than those of his classmates. He learned his way into situations, and often found himself anxiety-riddled and confused. During those tumultuous times, it was music that gave him the most peace. Here is where Grand Canyon University’s story meets Austin’s. From the first day we joined that car parade, coming on to GCU’s campus, we were overwhelmed that student after student was lined up sweating in that Arizona heat, cheering for him just to unload his boxes and take him up to his room. He was bombarded with words of welcome from the Resident Assistants and dorm Life Leaders. It was as if God painted in the sky, we want you. Yes, you. Every child feeling welcomed is essential to esteem, but for those that have ever felt marginalized, that initial over the top welcome, bears even more weight. From there, he went to further explore the campus, and was given countless opportunities to join clubs and further engage. Inside the classroom, the faculty was equally as invested. As Austin shared, here’s what’s hard for me, he was met with maybe try it this way, or what works best for you. Learning was occurring on both sides of the table. His most fun on campus highlight was going from a sound technician for worship nights to the resident DJ for all of GCU’s major events. And he is actually now teaching digital music production. The enthusiasm and that constancy of purple gave Austin a sense of belonging, and it has been my privilege as a mom to share this story. And now back to you, Alex.

– Melissa, that was so touching. We can’t thank you enough for opening up and telling your story about Austin, and how GCU, so positively affected his life. That was amazing. Thanks again, Melissa.