Just a Moment

"Opening the health center each morning makes me excited for the day ahead. While turning on lights and checking voicemails may seem mundane, I always feel thankful that God has given me a tangible way to use my gift of healing for his people."

Brianna Gullett R.N., Health Center

"When a student drops by my office to chat about their coursework, their weekend, their housemates, their résumé, their... anything. Getting to know each student improves my ability to offer them advice and build connections to support their career path."

Addie (Estes) Grow '09, Assistant Director of Internships & External Relations, School of Business

"Going to the lab after class and doing research on worms. It is really cool to be able to study an organism directly to learn more about biology."

Ryan Bax '21, Biology

"Seeing my student-athletes at the start of practice. This moment allows me to have a touch point (fist bumps) with each one of them and see how they are doing."

Joial Griffith, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

"Opening the health center each morning makes me excited for the day ahead. While turning on lights and checking voicemails may seem mundane, I always feel thankful that God has given me a tangible way to use my gift of healing for his people."

Brianna Gullett R.N., Health Center

"Playing trumpet in wind symphony rehearsal. I can take a mental break from my physics work to enjoy making music with my friends."

Maria Straight '21, Physics

"Talking with student leaders about how they can use their strengths and passions to bring about a more equitable and just world. It inspires me to see current students working to improve our campus and wider communities"

Jade Faletoi '15, M.A. in Administrative & Nonprofit Leadership ’22, Area Coordinator for Duvall and Oliver Halls

"When I see students decide on a career path and successfully navigate that path, and I have been a part of their journey – WOW! I feel privileged and honored to be a part of their growth and development."

Kirk Westre, Chair and Professor, Kinesiology & Athletics

Meeting new international students and sometimes their parents as well. To be able to interact with people from all over the world has made an impact on who I am, and for that I am grateful.

Lulú González, Assistant Director, International Student Services, Office of Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

"Collaborating with my friends to make art that engages us creatively and academically."

Sarah Hull '22, Theatre – Acting Track and Communication

Catching up with my teammates as we set up the [volleyball] nets. I love to hear about their day, and hearing their funny stories brings a smile to my face.

Abby Wolverton '23, Chemistry – Biochemistry Track

"Taking walks on campus with my friends and sitting by the fire pit, having conversations."

Keilani Kim '22, Elementary Education

"When students fall in love with a new adventure sport, from the climbing wall and the bike trails to the ski slopes and the Cascade volcanoes. I have the incredible privilege of seeing students conquer fears, realize dreams and stoke a passion for new sports that they may carry for the rest of their lives."

Brad Pointer, Assistant Director, University Recreation Center & Climbing Wall

"Meeting with my students. As a Student Success coach, I have the opportunity to meet with my students once a week and talk about academic success but overall learn their stories and connect with the community."

Mark Ponce '22, Psychology

"Working alongside our student employees. It brings me joy to develop lasting relationships with our students, whether teaching them life skills through landscape work or providing them encouragement and support in their professional and personal lives."

Candace (Ireland) Wallin '17, Turf & Landscape Specialist, Grounds Department

"Delivering mail to faculty for my campus job. I have the pleasure of stopping by their offices, eating chocolate, trading stories, and receiving words of encouragement and wisdom"

Jordan Pride ’19, M.Ed. in School Counseling ’23 Psychology

"Passing by the Intercultural Student Center and seeing the flags adorning the pathway. The ISC isn’t open this year because of safety guidelines, and it used to be a place I visited every day. It gives me comfort and joy when I see the flags because they remind me of good memories."

Esther Brown '21, Communication

"The moment when I connect with a student and we really see each other as human beings. Whether it’s through French literature, poetry, history and culture or through jokes and conversation, or when we solve a problem together or I hold them in prayer – that connection is what means the most to me."

Jennifer Stafford Brown, Chair and Professor, World Languages & Cultures

"Attending chapel, where I can come to breathe easier. I get to hear my talented friends worship, and after chapel ends, everyone sticks around to talk, help clean up and get lunch together."

Jenna Breedlove '22, Psychology

"The moment when I connect with a student and we really see each other as human beings. Whether it’s through French literature, poetry, history and culture or through jokes and conversation, or when we solve a problem together or I hold them in prayer – that connection is what means the most to me."

Jennifer Stafford Brown, Chair and Professor, World Languages & Cultures