What is your name and major?

Charlie (Seung Ho) Choi, Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Analytics.

Three words to describe yourself?

Learner, Statistician, Believer.

Plans in the future?

Find and work at a job that reflects the skillset I have developed at APU, and that allows me to grow professionally and personally; eventually pursue further studies, preferably in biostatistics/clinical sciences!

Most exciting time in APU?

Going back on campus! After a completely remote first year, it was nice to be able to meet everyone in person and experience a Christian college campus that puts ‘God First.’

Advice for continuing students?

Enjoy and learn from the journey! Sometimes things do not pan out the way we expect, and we may end up in unexpected places; yet, I believe God places us in these situations to learn and grow, and meet people we can gain a lot of lessons from!

What is your name and major?

Mami Hashimoto, Master of Science in Biotechnology.

Three words to describe yourself?

Passionate, Persistent, Determined.

Plans in the future?

Since I am an international student, I honestly don't know what will happen in the future. However, I plan to build a career in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries in the U.S. for the next few years. Eventually, I want to bring my knowledge and experience to the world and save more people and animals.

Most exciting time in APU?

The most exciting time at APU was when I received an email from the program director, Dr. Dyer when I applied to the Master's program. At that time, I was nervous because many Master's programs in biotechnology require science undergrad degrees, like chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, etc. I had a background in science (STS and Animal Science minor) but was considered a Bachelor of Arts. However, Dr. Dyer told me that I am eligible for this program and that my background is interesting and necessary in this field. He motivated me from the beginning and made this journey possible.

Advice for continuing students?

I know this sounds plain, but "Don't give up." If someone like me with a language barrier and less experienced in the U.S. industry could do this far, You ALL can do it. If you want to accomplish your goal, you have to sacrifice something. But eventually, you can proudly say, "It was worth it." School is much more rewarding than anything in the world. If you can go through this, You can go through anything. And don't forget to appreciate your family and friends, whoever supports your dream and journey. YOU CAN DO IT!

What is your name and major?

My name is Mei Leng Iao and my major is Applied Statistics and Analytics with an emphasis in Biostatistics.

Three words to describe yourself?

Passionate, Persistent, Determined.

Plans in the future?

Since I am an international student, I honestly don't know what will happen in the future. However, I plan to build a career in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries in the U.S. for the next few years. Eventually, I want to bring my knowledge and experience to the world and save more people and animals.

Most exciting time in APU?

The most exciting time at APU was when I received an email from the program director, Dr. Dyer when I applied to the Master's program. At that time, I was nervous because many Master's programs in biotechnology require science undergrad degrees, like chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, etc. I had a background in science (STS and Animal Science minor) but was considered a Bachelor of Arts. However, Dr. Dyer told me that I am eligible for this program and that my background is interesting and necessary in this field. He motivated me from the beginning and made this journey possible.

Advice for continuing students?

I know this sounds plain, but "Don't give up." If someone like me with a language barrier and less experienced in the U.S. industry could do this far, You ALL can do it. If you want to accomplish your goal, you have to sacrifice something. But eventually, you can proudly say, "It was worth it." School is much more rewarding than anything in the world. If you can go through this, You can go through anything. And don't forget to appreciate your family and friends, whoever supports your dream and journey. YOU CAN DO IT!

What is your name and major?

Rosana Lin Ho, Master in Applied Statistics & Analytics.

Three words to describe yourself?

Trustworthy, Responsible, and Flexible.

Plans in the future?

Grow my career in Statistics & Analytics and never stop learning something new.

Most exciting time in APU?

All those years before Covid. I am from the first cohort of students in this program, and I remember the classes full of students in the first year. We used to have special days, like "Pie day", "Sunday Ice Cream", Thanksgiving dinner, etc. Those were sweet moments I'll never forget!

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for all continuing students is that they continue to thrive, do their best, and enjoy life at the same time. Finding a balance is not easy, and you can feel that you are failing somewhere all the time. And even if you do fail, there is always a lesson to learn from it! But all phases are just phases.You can do this! Don't give up on the Master Degree! We have so many opportunities in this field and having a degree can open a lot of doors!

What is your name and major?

Aaron Jung, Computer Information Systems, B.A.

Three words to describe yourself?

Practical, Understanding, Easygoing.

Plans in the future?

Network Admin.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time at APU was getting accepted to work for device solutions.

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for all continuing students is to understand that time speeds up in the end of it all.

What is your name and major?

My name is Allison Bifone and I am a biology major with an Organismal emphasis.

Three words to describe yourself?

I would describe myself as kind, driven, and intelligent.

Plans in the future?

My plans for the future are to attend a program to receive a master's degree in public health while working a full-time position in a healthcare/healthcare-related field.

Most exciting time in APU?

The most exciting time at APU for me was the homecoming worship night we had this spring. It was one of our first big events since coming back in person and I feel like it was a very renewing experience for me personally and helped revive my relationship with God a bit more.

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for continuing students is to take advantage of the small class sizes and develop relationships with your professors. They are all so kind, and when you get closer to them they are so much fun to be around and they can be amazing mentors. The small classes are extremely helpful for being able to make genuine connections with your classmates as well, so cherish having the opportunity to bond with your peers and create a community during your time at APU, it makes all the difference in the experiences you have both inside and outside the classroom.

What is your name and major?

My name is Alyssa LeMay and I am a biology major with a Molecular emphasis.

Three words to describe yourself?

Three words to describe myself would be inquisitive, creative, and independent.

Plans in the future?

My plans for the future are to do two years of research before applying to graduate school with the hopes of obtaining my PhD in either immunology or molecular biology. After I graduate, I hope to become a professor teaching upper division undergraduate courses and conduct research at a university as well. I really look forward to becoming a role model and mentor to my future students.

Most exciting time in APU?

I don't think that I would be able to choose one specific time at APU that was the most exciting, but overall my time with the friends that I have made at APU have been my biggest blessing.

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for continuing students at APU is to work ahead on assignments as much as possible and review materials gone over in class immediately in small portions at a time. Most importantly, though, I would say to find an emotional outlet. Find a hobby that you do because you love it and do it without expectations or external influences. Finding something that you love to do outside of class that you can just receive peace and enjoyment from is absolutely crucial. STEM is a hard field of study, and we need things that we love and bring us joy outside of our academic careers.

What is your name and major?

Amanda de Vos, Biology with an Organismal emphasis, and Honors Humanities.

Three words to describe yourself?

Fearless, straightforward, determined.

Plans in the future?

I will be taking a course to get my EMT license and then either working on an ambulance or as an ER tech, all while studying to retake the MCAT in January in preparation to apply to medical school in 2023.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time at APU was watching 3 of my friends get baptized for the first time.

Advice for continuing students?

Make sure that you are able to manage your time well before you start college. Although your first year courses may seem easy and disguise themselves as an extension of high school, in reality these classes will only get harder and assignments will begin to take more time to complete. Starting off on the right foot with your time management under control will set you up for success later in your academic career.

What is your name and major?

Andrew Beard, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Logical, scattered, accomplished.

Plans in the future?

I want to live in LA and work some type of intellectually stimulating job.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time at APU was Intramural volleyball.

Advice for continuing students?

Put in as much effort into understanding yourself as you can.

What is your name and major?

Brandon Watanabe, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Attentive, diligent, thoughtful.

Plans in the future?

After graduation, I will be working full-time at Power Settlements as a junior software developer.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time at APU was making a lot of new friends in Trinity Hall my freshman year.

Advice for continuing students?

Start looking into applying for internships early. Take as many computer science courses that you can take as early as you can so that you may add that to your resume and help prepare you for internships. Focus more on learning concepts rather than coding language syntax. Work on personal projects and brush up on interview skills. Work with other computer science students to motivate each other in your career paths.

What is your name and major?

My name is Chelsea Sealander and I double major in Biology with an Organismal emphasis and Honors Humanities.

Three words to describe yourself?

Three words to describe me are goofy, loving, and positive!

Plans in the future?

I am getting married after graduation and then moving to Texas, hoping to become a high school biology teacher.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time at APU was being a part of the Alpha program and making so many friends and memories.

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for continuing students would be to practice good time management and make sure to include time for rest and enjoying the friends God has given you!

What is your name and major?

My name is Christine Messner and I major in Biology with an Organismal emphasis.

Three words to describe yourself?

I would describe myself as adventurous, creative, and intentional.

Plans in the future?

I am beginning the application process for medical school. My goal is to do something in the area of orthopedics or pediatrics.

Most exciting time in APU?

Definitely the past few months of my senior year. Some highlights have been: learning about interesting concepts in my Genetics and Mammalian Physiology classes, going to concerts, getting quality time with friends, playing beach volleyball, going to chapel again, taking ceramics, and getting ready for graduation!

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for students would be to dig into the community. Some of my favorite memories at APU have come from time spent with my friends doing life together. There is a difficult balance (especially as a STEM student) between school and life. It’s tempting to focus all your time on school but it truly is the relationships and activities done outside of class that provide that much needed boost. Also, always, always, always take advantage of the free dinners from your professors.

What is your name and major?

Cyril Bunayog, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Compassionate, Encouraging, a Homie.

Plans in the future?

My plan is To work at ISBX as a full-time Software Development Engineer, and to hopefully pursue a Masters in Computer Science in the near future.

Most exciting time in APU?

Developing the frontend for students to acquire chapel credit during the pandemic.

Advice for continuing students?

It's okay to start off not knowing anything, I was exactly like that coming in to the field. Pace yourselves and only focus on what you need to work on rather than others. Find opportunities either within or outside of APU to develop experience. Once you finish courses like Algorithms & Data Structures, I HIGHLY recommend start doing Leetcode to be well prepared for technical interviews. People skills matter too, so get out there and have fun!

What is your name and major?

Danielle Dominguez, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Social, determined, kind.

Plans in the future?

I hope to continue in the computer science field and move specifically into Web Development!

Most exciting time in APU?

Doing the Alpha Program during my Sophomore year.

Advice for continuing students?

Definitely stay on top of all of your work and try and make it a point to work on a lot of projects outside of your classes. I didn’t do much outside of my classes but I wish I did a lot more!

What is your name and major?

Dasani Thompson, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

independent, diligent, caring.

Plans in the future?

My plan for the future is to continue my ongoing internship with the Christian Missionary group, Missional Digerati, to spread the word and message of God to countries that don't have access to it. After my internship, I plan on looking for a full-time employment job in the software engineer or mobile development field.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting experience at APU was my first football game. The excitement of the crowd and the football players really allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and show my newfound school spirit.

Advice for continuing students?

Be open to new things, be kind to everybody, and experience a little bit of everything. Remember that everyone else is nervous, too, so share a smile, start a conversation and make new friends! APU is all about community! Be open-minded about other people's viewpoints. Set goals for yourself early on, and go out and make it happen

What is your name and major?

Esdras Maldonado, Engineering, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Hardworking, Dedicated, Organized.

Plans in the future?

My plans is to find a job.

Most exciting time in APU?

Learning how to code and solder.

Advice for continuing students?

Always go over material during the summer so you won't forget the information. Always search for internships; do not leave them till the last minute.

What is your name and major?

My name is Ethan Angle and I double major in Biochemistry and Honors Humanities.

Three words to describe yourself?

Three words that I would use to describe myself are conscientious, direct, and helpful.

Plans in the future?

I will be attending the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine to obtain my M.D., starting in Fall 2022.

Most exciting time in APU?

The most exciting times I have experienced at APU include the STEM Research Symposiums organized by the APU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Center for Research in Science. Having the ability to share my excitement surrounding the biochemical and pharmacological research I perform with Dr. Philip Cox is incredibly enjoyable and futhers my competence as a scientist.

Advice for continuing students?

The one piece of advice I would provide to continuing students at APU is that we should all strive to be professional students. That is, we should do all we can to perfect our studying methods, interactions with our student colleagues, and relationships with our professors in order to cultivate an optimal learning environment. Knowledge is a God-given gift and our ability to pursue it should not be hindered by complacency. We must chase after knowledge with a profound zeal so that we can be "difference makers" to the utmost degree in our own lives and the lives of others.

What is your name and major?

My name is Gloria Akowuah and I am an Allied Health major.

Three words to describe yourself?

Three words I would use to describe myself are strong, approachable, strategic.

Plans in the future?

I plan on going into Nursing or PA in the future after taking a gap year to obtain clinical hours.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time at APU was my first semester of freshman year because I could do all the exicting things I was looking forward to as a science major such as dissections with Professor Simms.

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for continuing students would be to persevere, if you are determined enough, you can push through and make it!

What is your name and major?

My name is Grace Jung and I double major in Mathematics and Finance.

Three words to describe yourself?

Devoted (to the Lord😊), Persistent, Loyal.

Plans in the future?

I will be studying in APU’s Masters in Organizational Psychology program starting in Summer 2022! My career goal is to be able to help nonprofits and churches better manage their finances. But, through this program, I hope to gain a holistic understanding of how to help nonprofits and churches improve other internal factors besides just finances! I am currently seeking and relying on the Lord to work out the other details of my near future plans (like finding a job for this next year!).

Most exciting time in APU?

I loved going to all of the basketball games, but especially the APU vs Biola games!!

Advice for continuing students?

First, consciously choose to dive deeply into your relationship with Jesus. Things around you are going to change all the time, but the Lord is the only thing that remains constant in His love, word, and deed. Second, soak up the community here at APU! Jump into opportunities to get to know those around you, both students and staff, because Jesus knows that it’s better for us to be together! And you may be pleasantly surprised by the people you meet and the lasting friendships you make (I know I was!)

What is your name and major?

Jason Portillo, Engineering, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Fun, Determined, Childlike.

Plans in the future?

I plan to start a business in the future.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time was at Mexico Outreach, when I got to help others and meet great people.

Advice for continuing students?

If it sucks now, know it will be worth it. Trust me, I'm an engineer.

What is your name and major?

Joseph Tang, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Kind, Honest, Resourceful.

Plans in the future?

Find a part time Job and continue search for new grad/internship.

Most exciting time in APU?

I had a lot of fun taking Mobile App development. It felt great to see how the basics I've learned in previous course can be applied to create many complex projects.

Advice for continuing students?

While it is important to leverage on campus resources it is also important to develop the skill of leveraging online resources in research.

What is your name and major?

Karina Gray, Engineering, B.S., with a concentration in Systems.

Three words to describe yourself?

Redeemed, creative, joyful.

Plans in the future?

I will be working as a Systems Engineer for L3Harris after graduation, and the rest of my future is dependent on where God leads.

Most exciting time in APU?

I was very excited when my senior design team, named Supras Stellas, got the opportunity to go on the roof of the Segerstrom Science Center. We designed, built, and implemented an antenna system as part of our goal to develop a ground station. The days we went out of the lab to set it up really brought the project to life.

Advice for continuing students?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. From the perspective of someone who has been a student, tutor, and learning assistant, the best way to learn in any class is by asking questions. Also, teachers really do love to help, so just ask!

What is your name and major?

Leonardo Tomasi, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Hard worker, resilient, happy.

Plans in the future?

I plan to find a job next.

Most exciting time in APU?

Being able to be a part of the Men's Soccer Team and representing APU on and off the field.

Advice for continuing students?

Ask questions.

What is your name and major?

Lizbeth Morejon. Biology major with an emphasis in Ecology and a minor in Environmental Studies.

Three words to describe yourself?

Open-minded, family oriented, and environmentally conscious.

Plans in the future?

I plan to get a job in the field of Ecology. My hope is to aid conservation efforts across the country.

Most exciting time in APU?

Summer research on the Kinnes team was so much fun! I got to meet new people and build new friendships. It's a season of my life I will always remember fondly.

Advice for continuing students?

Get involved! The professors here want to get to know you and help you. The amount of attention you can get here versus a state school is immense, take advantage of it!

What is your name and major?

Lorenzo Silva, Engineering, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Devoted, Creative, Motivated.

Plans in the future?

Work for a company that is within my field and skill set.

Most exciting time in APU?

Being able to meet other students that share the same passionate as I do.

Advice for continuing students?

Don't be shy and meet new friends.

What is your name and major?

Luis Solorzano, Engineering, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Motivated, disciplines, hard-worker.

Plans in the future?

I plan on pursuing an MBA here at APU.

Most exciting time in APU?

The move-in night during freshman year.

Advice for continuing students?

Live in Trinity.

What is your name and major?

Lyric Nakagawa, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Creative and compassionate.

Plans in the future?

To become the best version of myself, and help my entire family as much as I can for however much time I have on Earth.

Most exciting time in APU?

Playing intramural soccer with my friends.

Advice for continuing students?

There is so much to learn, but I’m not just speaking about in your classes. You will learn about yourself, about God, about others, about life. Just keep an open heart and an open mind, you can get through anything.

What is your name and major?

My name is Mallory Bell & I am receiving a bachelors of arts in Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Education, as well as a minor in Leadership, and a single subject teaching credential in Math!

Three words to describe yourself?

I would say I'm very outgoing, loyal, and competitive.

Plans in the future?

I plan to teach Math at the high school level, hopefully in the school district that I attended in the Fall!

Most exciting time in APU?

I think that one of my favorite moments at APU is welcome weekend. Freshman and sophomore year I met some of the most cool people and had such a great time at the carnival and good times! This year was a little more laid back but still very fun :)

Advice for continuing students?

I would say make sure you GET INVOLVED if you are not already. Apply for a leadership position, join a D-group, join a club, go on trips with Outdoor Adventures, go on an action team, join an intramural team. GO TO ON-CAMPUS EVENTS! DO SOMETHING on campus and your time here will be so much more fulfilling. I've been in SGA, the alpha program, a d-group leader, a tutor, a math and physics fellow, and on many intramural teams, and I have not regretting a single experience I've had the privilege to be a part of.

What is your name and major?

My name is Mariel Kaye Quincena and I am a Allied Health B.C. major.

Three words to describe yourself?

Three words I would describe myself are dependable, trustworthy, relatable.

Plans in the future?

My future plans are to pursue a masters in Physician Assistant studies and hopefully specialize in emergency medicine or psychiatric care.

Most exciting time in APU?

During my time here at APU, I have been a commuter for the past four years, but the most exciting time I had at APU was spent during upper division labs. By seeing how the topics in class were applied to the real world this enhanced my learning experience.

Advice for continuing students?

My advice for continuing students would be to take advantage of our small class size and get to know your professors! They are here to guide you through their class and help you succeed!

What is your name and major?

My name is Matthew Anderson and I am earning my B.S. Physics degree!

Three words to describe yourself?

I asked my girlfriend for these words. This is what she came up with.

Late - just ask any of my professors. I am always late to class, my homework is late, I will always be late to meetings. I just like to take my time and prepare all the way until the last minute - and maybe some more after that.

Commited - I rarely will deny a calendar invitation. This often comes to bite me later and has contributed greatly to many all-nighters and my aforementioned habitual tardiness.

Punny - "If a plant is sad, do the other plants photosympathize with it?"

Plans in the future?

I am hoping to continue at APU through the M.S. Biotechnology program. I know my future will involve teaching middle school science at some point, but only God knows how soon that will happen.

Most exciting time in APU?

Hands down, the greatest time I had at APU was freshman year when I was living in Smith Hall. The RAs engaged with everyone in the building, not just the men in their respective halls. My greatest memory was playing buck-buck on Trinity, Smith Lawn as a part of competing in "Games of Smith".

Advice for continuing students?

Get involved in a non-STEM group on campus NOW! And try to stick with the group for all four years. For me, it was Men's Chorale. For others, it was a sport, on-campus employment, Outdoor Adventures, improv team, a dance team, chapel band, or something else. Getting involved with something fun and consistent gives you a chance to get your head out of your textbooks and focused on fellowship. Communion requires community, and a textbook can't provide that.

What is your name and major?

McKenna Keefe, Allied Health B.A.

Three words to describe yourself?

Adventurous, Compassionate, Easy-going.

Plans in the future?

Getting my BSN then going to graduate school for a masters in Midwifery.

Most exciting time in APU?

Returning to campus after a year and half of remote learning.

Advice for continuing students?

Say yes to trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone. There are so many opportunities to gain new experiences and these are the experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.

What is your name and major?

My name is Nadine Ghezzo and I double major in Biology, with a Neurobiological emphasis, and Honors Humanities.

Three words to describe yourself?

Hopeful, Responsible, and Compassionate.

Plans in the future?

I plan on attending the MD program from The School of Medicine Trinity College Dublin in Fall 2022, to become an anesthesiologist! This is my dream school and I am so excited to be able to pursue my education in Ireland this year! This summer, I am hoping to volunteer in clinical research and make the most of the life God has given me—thrilled for the next season of my life.

Most exciting time in APU?

It is truly incredible to compare myself to my first semester at APU and seeing how much I have grown. In this final semester, I am grateful to see how far I have come. My Mama earned her Bachelor’s degree at APU and ever since I was little I have heard about this wonderful university. My heart was set on saying yes to this school even before I applied to colleges, and to look at myself now—just weeks away from graduation—I am proud of where I chose to pursue my education. I am proud of the place that has helped me pursue my dreams and I am proud of the place that has become a second home for me.

Advice for continuing students?

Live in the moment and be content with what you have. Your education is incredibly important, but so are the relationships that you make along the way. Reach out and spend time outside of class with friends and family, because those are the memories that are worth it in the end.

What is your name and major?

Natalie Palos, Computer Science, B.S., minors in Honors Humanities, & Mathematics.

Three words to describe yourself?

Loyal, Hardworking, Friendly.

Plans in the future?

My plans for the future are to find a job working in the SF Bay Area.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting experience at APU was being able to come back after the COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate.

Advice for continuing students?

I would advise a freshman to make use of the resources available to them. The department really wants them to succeed and will work hard to help them out. Also, try your best to stick things out, its a very steep learning curve when you are first learning how to code, but once you understand the concepts and the logic, everything that follows will be a lot easier.

What is your name and major?

Nathan Suiter, Engineering, B.S., and Honors Humanities.

Three words to describe yourself?

Strategic, Adaptive, God-fearing.

Plans in the future?

Pursue an MSc in Statistical Science at the University of Oxford.

Most exciting time in APU?

Either studying abroad and swimming in the river, Cherwell, senior year or going to the beach with friends freshmen year and becoming close with a few in particular.

Advice for continuing students?

Remain faithful to your guiding principles, but explore why you believe in them. Experience lots of things, but take time to rest as well. Apply yourself academically, but don't be afraid to do poorly on as assignment or two. Prioritize faith, make memories with friends, and have fun in an undergraduate setting.

What is your name and major?

Randy Osoti, double major in Computer Science, B.S., and Honors Humanities with a minor in Mathematics.

Three words to describe yourself?

Genuine, driven, easygoing.

Plans in the future?

Full-time software engineer job at AWS.

Most exciting time in APU?

The most exciting time was my baptism.

Advice for continuing students?

Look for internships early and find upperclassmen mentors.

What is your name and major?

Reginald Winans, Computer Information Systems, B.A.

Three words to describe yourself?

Calm, Considerate, Determined.

Plans in the future?

Becoming a software developer.

Most exciting time in APU?

The gaming tournaments that were occasionally hosted.

Advice for continuing students?

Work on your assignments early.

What is your name and major?

Seth Wheeler, Computer Science, B.S., minor in Entrepenuership.

Three words to describe yourself?

Innovative, Goal-driven, Achiever.

Plans in the future?

Continue working within APU or another company as an Integration Software Developer.

Most exciting time in APU?

Deploying the current attendance tracking program for APU chapels, and watching it work on the first chapel in Fall 2020 after working on the software application since Fall 2018.

Advice for continuing students?

Always try to further yourself outside of the classroom

What is your name and major?

My name is Sophie Savage and my major is Allied Health B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Three words I would use to describe myself are empathetic, hard working and kind.

Plans in the future?

My plans for the future are to apply to PA school while continuing to broaden my resume.

Most exciting time in APU?

My most exciting time at APU has been getting the opportunities to be nominated for positions like the CLAS Student Ambassador or asked to co-write a chapter of a book with my professor!

Advice for continuing students?

My biggest piece of advice for continuing students is to get involved with your department sooner rather than later! Find areas to volunteer, like at some of the CRIS events! Or look into joining a research team, or ask some of your professors to keep you in mind for any opportunities that may arise.

What is your name and major?

My name is Tiffany Nakla and I am a Biochemistry and Honors Humanities double major.

Three words to describe yourself?

I would describe myself as caring, diligent, and funny (ask me about my phrenic nerve joke).

Plans in the future?

I will be attending Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fall 2022. I hope to specialize in Interventional Radiology (IR), where I will be able to treat patients via minimally- invasive procedures guided by medical imaging. My Biochemistry major allowed me to build a strong foundation in the sciences, which has equipped me with the necessary skills and strategies to succeed in medical school. Being able to holistically combine faith and science has shown me their incredible compatibility, contrary to their demonstration as separate silos of information. My research experience has not only complimented my science courses, but also taught me invaluable lessons of professionalism and collaboration. My Honors education has strengthened my understanding of ethics, moral codes, and the beauty of the Good, to which I will cling in times of strife.

Most exciting time in APU?

One of the most exciting times I can recall from the past four years is being part of summer research in 2021. It was our first time being back on campus since March 2020, and it was a small group of students working under a handful of professors, which made the experience so much more enjoyable and productive. We were able to finally conduct the research our group had been discussing for many months, and also have casual conversations with professors. All in all, the experience was such a joy and I continue to look back on it with great fondness.

Advice for continuing students?

My advice to continuing students would be to always believe in your ability. At times, it can be very easy to doubt what you are capable of or have low confidence in yourself, but the key is remembering the "why?" of what you're doing. Why are you in school studying this particular subject? Why does it matter to you? Questions like this can reignite your passion to study and to remain disciplined in your work.

What is your name and major?

Timothy Lim, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Persistent, Logical, Empathetic.

Plans in the future?

Get a job and eventually go to graduate school.

Most exciting time in APU?

Global Game Jam 2020.

Advice for continuing students?

Make sure to put in the time... and as soon as you learn Data Structures, start doing LeetCode.

What is your name and major?

Tyson DeKoning, Engineering, B.S., with a minor in Mathematics.

Three words to describe yourself?

Dedicated, Hard-worker, Easy going.

Plans in the future?

I will begin a job in June as a Systems Engineer at Raytheon Intelligence and Space in Aurora, Colorado.

Most exciting time in APU?

Most exciting experience at APU was going on career days and touring company facilities such as Northrop Grumman and Raytheon and seeing what the possibilities are out there for when I graduate.

Advice for continuing students?

Take some time for yourself in between studying and join a club that suits your interests not related to your school career. Joining the Outdoor Adventures club was greatly beneficial to me.

What is your name and major?

Vazken Avetissian, Computer Science, B.S.

Three words to describe yourself?

Learner, Achiever, Mediator.

Plans in the future?

I plan on starting a job right after college and working my way up in terms of position and experience.

Most exciting time in APU?

I would say my time at Men's Chorale was my most exciting experience at APU. Being able to sing worship songs and tour with a brotherhood of men after God's own heart is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

Advice for continuing students?

Get involved on campus and don't be afraid to try new things.