Mark's Blog
An Above Average Day
February 7, 2012When I first came to Liberty, I was amazed by the opportunities I had at my new school, but, over time, I got used to my life at Liberty. As I think about my “average” day, I realize that I have been blessed with opportunities to learn academics from a Christian perspective, hear from incredible speakers, interact with other Christian students, and participate in exciting events at the world’s largest Christian university. My “average” days are definitely above average.
My day begins with my New Testament Survey class. The opportunity to learn God’s Word in a college class is definitely a privilege. My professor, Dr. Love, has a great knowledge of the New Testament and has helped me learn how to interpret the Bible in the correct way. Dr. Love encourages me to dive into the Scriptures and to reflect on the Scripture’s meaning and application to my life. The class involves a lot of Bible reading and some writing, but the results of the work are very rewarding. Dr. Love has recently been discussing the different translations of the Bible, and how they can be used to help us better understand God’s Word. I enjoy Dr. Love’s class, because it gives me the opportunity to study the Bible for myself and the resources to help me accurately understand what I’m studying.
After New Testament Survey is over, I head over to Liberty’s basketball arena, which is called the Vines Center. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, students meet in the Vines Center for Convocation. Convocation is the largest weekly gathering of Christian students in North America. It typically begins with a time of incredible worship. I always enjoy worshiping the Lord, while singing along with eight thousand other college students. After singing, I get to to hear from some of the most influential Christian speakers in America. Liberty brings in amazing speakers from all walks of life. In my brief time at Liberty, I have had the opportunity to hear from speakers such as Francis Chan, Rick Warren, Stephen Furtick, and Candace Cameron Bure. Today, I heard from Cal Thomas, who is one of the most widely syndicated opinion columnist in America and a contributor to Fox News. Thomas talked about how material possessions are of little value, but heavenly possessions will last forever. Thomas said that, when he focused on God instead of himself, the Lord allowed him to have greater influence and gave him a platform to share Christ with others.
Cal Thomas addresses students in Convocation
Photo taken by Kevin Manguiob /Liberty University
After Convocation, I walk to my Audio/Video Basics class. In this class, I get to learn the basics about video production. The class covers subjects such as planning a production, using a camera, and editing video on software in the Mac lab. My class is taught by Professor Bill Dewhurst. He has countless years of experience in the broadcasting field, and he is a great man to learn the basics of video production from. I enjoy this class so much that, sometimes, I’m even disappointed, when it’s over! Today, Dr. Dewhurst discussed the different cameras used in video production and talked about the components of a professional camera.
After Audio/Video Basics is over, I head over to the Reber Thomas Dining Hall for lunch. Lunch is always a great time to relax and spend time with friends. My lunch break is an hour and twenty minutes long, so I usually have time to do some studying between lunch and my next class.
At 1:45, I began my Contemporary Issues class. Contemporary Issues is a required course for all new students at Liberty. The course helps students to see life from a Christian worldview perspective. I am able to learn about other religions and viewpoints in the world. The class also addresses controversial social issues from a Christian worldview. Dr. Weider does not only share about how some controversial actions are wrong, but he also shares how we can confront these issues in the loving way that Christ would. Today, Dr. Weider discussed the issue of euthanasia. He talked about how the quality of life is becoming more important than the sanctity of life. He also discussed how we can work with those, who are contemplating euthanasia.
After Contemporary Issues class is over, I am done with classes for the day. I usually go back to my dorm and hang out with all my friends for a while. I may take some time to study a little bit before I head to dinner with friends. In the evening, I typically take time to study and do something enjoyable such as going to the gym or attending a basketball game.
Since I have been at Liberty, I have noticed that my typical day isn’t a typical day to the average college student. I have the opportunity to learn in classes taught from a Christian perspective, to work with professors, who truly care about my future, to worship and hear dynamic speakers along with eight thousand other college students, and to live in an atmosphere, where the center of everything is Christ.
