The future speaks

There comes a time in college when everyone asks, What’s next? Several Asbury seniors discuss where they see themselves post-graduation and what invaluable lessons they will carry with them into their future journeys.

Q: What are your future plans and goals?

A: I plan to continue my education by getting my Master of Business Administration in nonprofit management through the Dayton School of Business, and eventually, a doctorate in marketing. All of which will set me up for success in media missions. This summer, I will work as an intern with a media ministry in Madrid, Spain, working with their graphics and marketing teams for their upcoming film adaptation of Esther. I have high hopes for what media missions can do with spreading the Gospel. I hope to one day lead my own media missions organization and impact the world of Christ.

A. My future plans consist of getting married to Ashlynn King ’22 this summer, graduating with my MBA from Asbury in May, and fulfilling the work hours requirement of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification to become a licensed CPA by this fall. I plan to continue working at EY as a tax accountant and serve clients concerning their tax matters within the financial services industry. I strive to follow the Dayton School of Business motto: to be the best for the world. For me, that means learning how to be an excellent client-serving professional and striving to make a positive impact in the community of Cincinnati.

Q: How has studying at Asbury prepared you for the future?

A: Studying at Asbury has helped me to develop my own sense of critical thinking. In my courses, I’ve been able to read a wide array of authors from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, the psychology program and its professors have been personal role models to me as both psychologists and Christians. I feel fully prepared to enter into graduate school in clinical mental health counseling. At Asbury I also have learned to have a softer heart. I know my future will always be to follow Jesus and to serve others. I believe God is calling me to places where I can love and encourage others.

A: I have learned so much more than mere textbook learning at Asbury. I have been able to grow in my relationship with others and most importantly, God. I have learned critical thinking skills and how to implement my faith into my work. I see that my work as an accountant is as much a call to ministry as any other major and learned that we are all called into specific fields for the Kingdom. Romans 12 speaks beautifully into this concept as we are all unique in our calling and gifting, but we are also a part of the body of Christ. Just as the eyes are so crucial to the body for seeing, our feet are crucial to walking. They do different functions in the body, but they are both very important.

Q: What are some lessons that you learned in the past four years that you will take into the future?

A: I learned many lessons during my time at Asbury. The most important lesson, though, is this: You can depend on God. You can depend on other people He has placed in your life. We are not meant to do this life alone, and if you prioritize your relationship with Him, He will surround you with people who can speak encouragement and challenge over you. Yet, you must surrender time, control, and desires. He wants you. So, if you spend time with Him (and implement life-changing spiritual disciplines like Sabbath), He will alter everything you thought you knew and lead you toward a life you never thought was possible.

A: One thing I learned during my three years at Asbury is to stay curious about people. As a multi-ethnic person, there was some apprehension that Asbury wouldn’t be easy, but one of my favorite memories I’ll keep with me is having the opportunity to engage in life with my peers. Having those tough conversations cultivated a beautiful exchange of experiences.

A: The most important lesson I learned is that everyone around me is created in the Image of God (Imago Dei). This is something we throw around a lot, but when you stop and think about what this means, it reframes all your interactions with people. This lesson is something I remind myself of daily. Another important lesson I learned is we are created from community for community. We are made by the triune God. He exists in perfect relationship with the other members of the Trinity. It is because of the outpouring of the love within the Trinity mankind was made. Since we reflect His image, we are made to do life together and need each other.

A: The medical field needs God, and I feel God is calling me into health insurance. When I graduate, I’m moving to Indiana to work full-time for Anthem. Asbury enabled me to learn how to communicate and stand up for the truth. With professors and peers that really care, I’ve also learned to tackle diverse challenges. God. He exists in perfect relationship with the other members of the Trinity. It is because of the outpouring of the love within the Trinity mankind was made. Since we reflect His image, we are made to do life together and need each other.

A: Since I’ve been at Asbury, I have learned the importance of building community. I’ve grown so much relationally and spiritually from the friendships and mentors in my four years here. After graduation, I will be working at a nonprofit health clinic. I’m excited to see what God will teach me in the next few years. My passion is to serve and work among vulnerable populations. My time at Asbury has prepared me for the “real world” in such a unique way to go out for ministry. God is everywhere and in all things.