My time at Oklahoma Christian University has easily been the most incredible time of my life. I have learned more than I could imagine, met spectacular people, had amazing opportunities and grown in every aspect of my life.
Because of this university I am prepared to grab life by its horns; but I wouldn’t be anywhere near ready without the people who have influenced me here.
My sophomore year, I found myself taking Biology I with Assistant Professor of Biology Eric Phelps. Having struggled through every math and science class through high school and forgetting the little bit of information I thought I had retained, I was sure I would fail the course. When the first exam of the semester rolled around, I made the first D of my life. Phelps let me come to his office once a week to go over everything I was having trouble with and found ways I understood to explain the material. I wasn’t thrilled with my grade after finals, but without his help I wouldn’t have passed the class at all.
The same semester I changed my major for the third time. My new advisor was Assistant Professor of Communication Josh Watson. Not only did he plan out my schedule for the next two years so that I would graduate in time, he figured out how I could take the courses I needed to graduate early. Granted, this meant that most of my courses in the department were taken out of order, but I’m still finishing my degree just two and a half years after changing majors. He also has been more proactive than any professor I’ve met in terms of finding students job connections.
As you’re probably noticing, sophomore year was one of great change for me.
I had my first class with Distinguished Professor of Communication Philip Patterson that year. Everyone in the communications department, and probably some outside of it, has an unspoken feeling of both awe and terror toward Patterson. While he can be one of the most intimidating men you’ll ever meet, he’s one of the people who I feel teaches his students the most. His classes equip students with everything they need to know without superfluous fluff and busy work. He has high expectations of his students’ work and isn’t afraid to be brutally honest about the quality of their work. Because of this, he taught us to produce our best work possible.
There are countless people at this school who have had a hand in my college career – these are just a few that have gone above and beyond what they are required to help their students succeed. Because of the faculty and staff, and many of my fellow students, I have learned the importance of hard work, dedication and both failure and success.
I am ecstatic to graduate in December but I will be very sorry to leave behind the university that has made me who I am today.
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