Shelley Smith
School Experience
I am a third generation native San
Diegan. I love to introduce myself that
way because the reaction to that statement is usually “wow, you don’t meet many
of those any more”. True enough, although
I can’t figure for the life of me why anyone would move out of paradise. As a native, I completed all my schooling in
San Diego, with the exception of my last three years of college spent at the
main campus of Azusa Pacific University where I graduated with a BA in Music:
Vocal Performance with a minor in Conducting.
I would say that my school experience was somewhat unique and definitely
diverse in that I went from K-8 grade in public schools, 9-11 grades in
private, 12th grade and first year of college back in public schools, and
finished my Bachelor’s degree at a private university, Magna Cum Laude. While I have always done well in school, I
would not say it is because academics come easily to me, but rather because I
compete with no one but myself and I push myself harder than any teacher or
parent has ever tried to. I enjoyed both
my public and private school experiences.
But I do find it interesting that while Christians are often unduly criticized
for being intolerant, in my personal experience there is no more intolerant
stage in life that than of a public higher learning institution.
Auntie Shelley with
niece Abbey enjoying our favorite activity
Technology Experience
I would have to describe myself as not being on the bottom rung of the technology ladder, but certainly feeling always 3 steps below the rest of modern society. I seem always to be trying to “catch up” with what the latest trend or gadget is only to find that as soon as I’ve learned or bought “it” something newer is on the market. I do get frustrated always feeling behind and never fully knowledgeable. As a people person, extreme extrovert, a public speaker, and a performer, I am most discouraged by the way technology is replacing face to face, personable interaction. No one can convince me that Facebook and Skype can take the place of the deep real life conversations and accountability you have over food with friends, or the memories you create having game night with the family. I am also a person who seldom sits. I far prefer to be out and about, moving, enjoying God’s creation. You cannot do this while stuck at a desk or table or in a chair staring at an electronic device. Most people are letting life pass them by, believing they are living because they are “Googling” how to live and watching videos of others doing so virtually. I will take smelling the roses through my own nose over watching an Avatar do so any day.
I would have to describe myself as not being on the bottom rung of the technology ladder, but certainly feeling always 3 steps below the rest of modern society. I seem always to be trying to “catch up” with what the latest trend or gadget is only to find that as soon as I’ve learned or bought “it” something newer is on the market. I do get frustrated always feeling behind and never fully knowledgeable. As a people person, extreme extrovert, a public speaker, and a performer, I am most discouraged by the way technology is replacing face to face, personable interaction. No one can convince me that Facebook and Skype can take the place of the deep real life conversations and accountability you have over food with friends, or the memories you create having game night with the family. I am also a person who seldom sits. I far prefer to be out and about, moving, enjoying God’s creation. You cannot do this while stuck at a desk or table or in a chair staring at an electronic device. Most people are letting life pass them by, believing they are living because they are “Googling” how to live and watching videos of others doing so virtually. I will take smelling the roses through my own nose over watching an Avatar do so any day.
Shelley smelling the
roses…or something
APU Experience
I appreciate and agree with the mission statement of Azusa Pacific University. Both the mission statement and the Four Cornerstones represented had much to do with my choosing this school as both my alma mater and my place of employment. I believe APU produces leaders that effect change and make a difference in this world for Christ. Having experienced APU as a traditional undergrad attending on the main campus and now working as a staff member at a regional center for graduate students, I can say that there is much more freedom or responsibility (depending on how one views it) given to the graduate learner to enjoy the benefits that APU’s mission statement provides.
I appreciate and agree with the mission statement of Azusa Pacific University. Both the mission statement and the Four Cornerstones represented had much to do with my choosing this school as both my alma mater and my place of employment. I believe APU produces leaders that effect change and make a difference in this world for Christ. Having experienced APU as a traditional undergrad attending on the main campus and now working as a staff member at a regional center for graduate students, I can say that there is much more freedom or responsibility (depending on how one views it) given to the graduate learner to enjoy the benefits that APU’s mission statement provides.
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