With a little over two weeks until the end of the semester, TMU seniors reflect on their time at Master’s.

By: Julie DeVore, Class of 2020

How do I begin to sum up the last four years as a Student at TMU? My mind doesn’t even hesitate. Instead it floods with countless memories. Memories of friendship and growth. Memories of Monty’s performances, harvest blends, hikes, meals, chapels, classes, Disney days, coffee shop runs, long drives, and sunsets – all surrounded by an amazing education. I think of how my love for Scripture has grown and my desire to understand Scripture has increased. I see how a love to learn has been cultivated. I think of relationships and how God has used the faculty, staff and students on this campus to grow and encourage my walk with Christ. They have taught me to think critically. They have taught me to know and pursue Christ earnestly, and then more.

Going into my time at The Master’s University I remember thinking how I couldn’t wait until the day I could stop learning and going to school. However, that changed at Master’s. The professors introduced me to a love of learning and reading that I had never tasted before. They showed me how God connects to all areas of academics. I saw that they were excited about the content of their lectures and passionate about their students. This was infectious and I am grateful for the professors who took the time to meet with me inside and outside of class. They taught me that learning is exciting and an endless endeavor.

My studies at Master’s most importantly taught me that excellence in all we do is essential as believers in a fallen world. I look forward to being a lifelong learner after graduation.

When I reflect on my time at Master’s, the most influential aspect outside of academics has been the relationships that I have formed. I have fond memories mattress-surfing down stairwells, spontaneously going to the beach, pranking dorm rooms, exploring and studying with these precious people. Together we have spent hours studying, laughing, singing, and talking. But these friendships are the also the ones I have spent hours with sharing about our faith, growth and struggles. They have prayed with me, invested into me and pushed me further in my love for God and others. I am indebted to God for how He has used them in my life. The discipleship model I was taught here will forever influence the relationships I will form the rest of my life.

My memory bank moves on, and I ponder the semester I spent studying abroad in Israel and how that forever changed my love for Scripture. It filled my faith with confidence in the years that would follow. It overflowed my mind with vivid pictures of real places in the Bible. I smile as I think about the many friendships and adventures that formed as a result of this travel study experience.

I reflect on my time serving as a Resident Assistant. The hours spent planning wing and dorm events will never measure up to the conversations spent sitting on my bed or on a walk to the gate. These are the moments that matter. The life lessons and discipleship I received in and through these relationships have changed who I am today.

When I graduate and turn my tassel from the right to left I will leave TMU with more than a diploma. I will leave TMU with more than an ocean of laughter and memories. Most importantly I will leave TMU with a passion for Scripture, a joy to learn, and a heart for discipleship. These are skills I want to take with me as I pursue further education, church, and the work environment post-graduation. It is my prayer that God would only continue to grow and sanctify me in this next stage. Master’s is not the end goal; it is a training ground for what’s to come. I can’t wait to see how God continues to guide and preserve each one of us in the years to come – so that He may receive all glory and honor due His name.

Thank you Master’s for your investment into my life; the journey has only begun.