February 6, 2020 by

When you think of professors, what words come to your mind?

Adult? Educated? Above me? Intimidating?  Strict? Homework-assigner (don’t know if that is a real word)?

If any of those words came to your head, then you are probably normal. But if you are thinking about coming to Cedarville, then you better throw those “normal” descriptive words for professors into the air, air, air, air (read in an echo voice for full effect).

At Cedarville, it is true that students have unique relationships with professors. Speaking from personal experience, many of my professors have gone above and beyond when it came to caring for me, and their interest in not only my education and my career but my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Let me tell you the story of one specifically. His name is Professor Green. 

I first met Professor Green as the dean of the communications department when I learned that he attended Cedarville at the same time as my father. 

After initial conversations, I had a class with him, when I began to realize his passion for his students. He focused his classes on the importance of a personal relationship with Christ. I really appreciated this. As I worked with him over the course of several semesters, trying to get classes transferred and asking questions about the major, I grew to greatly respect him.

Not only did we interact at Cedarville, but we also volunteered for an after-school program at the church that we both attended. I appreciated seeing another side of him and his continued intentionality getting to know me. 

One of the memories that sticks out the most for me is when he asked how my many jobs were going. Because as you know, I work a lot. I shared with him a really hard conversation that I had with one of my bosses and how it had greatly discouraged me. He asked me a few follow up questions to fully understand.

Most people that I had talked to about this situation told me things like, “Man, that is hard” or “You should just quit.” But that was not the response from Professor Green. He asked me a simple question, “Why are you working this job?” I simply answered him, “Because I need to make money.”

I will never forget his answer to me. He said, “I thought you might say that. If that is your motivation for working a job, you are going to have a hard time. The purpose of working this job should be how God can use you in that setting. You have to come into your job with that attitude. We won’t always get a fun and easy job. But that doesn’t mean that God can’t use you in what you are doing. I challenge you to change your focus and attitude.”

This was not the response that I expected, and, honestly, I was a little offended. But it was the most challenging and humbling thing that anyone could have told me. Because he had a relationship with me, he was able to challenge me. And not just challenge me, but continue to point me in growing to be more like Christ.

These are the relationships that Cedarville students have the opportunity to experience as a student. Our professors are focused on training and educating, but they also want more for you. They want you to be the best little Christ that you can be. I am so thankful to Cedarville for making it a priority to hire faculty and staff that have an eternal focus.

So look forward to this, friends! It is very special. Until next time.

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