BY KEITH BAKER II, HPU SOPHOMORE
Throughout the years I have attended Howard Payne University, I’ve come to appreciate what this campus has to offer. I am in my third year as an art major, and I also serve as a resident assistant in Jennings Hall as well as a member of HPU’s committee for CASL, the Christian Association of Student Leaders. Every time I return to HPU, I find myself grateful to be able to gain my education at such a wonderful place and I find it hard to imagine myself at any other college or university. I am truly glad I have the opportunity to attend here. There are a few reasons, in particular, that make coming to HPU such a great experience. The first thing that comes to mind that makes Howard Payne so enjoyable is the strong faith that surrounds the campus. When I first came here I was extremely shocked by the amount of faith and fellowship that flowed through every nook and cranny of the campus. I have to admit that, initially, I thought it was a bit much. Now, I’m not saying that I disliked it. The fact was that I had never really felt faith in such an abundance except from a select few individuals and at church. I knew Howard Payne was a Christian university so I had expected as much, but I thought that school and the general college atmosphere would mask it. The magnitude of faith greatly exceeded my first impressions. I’m happy that this was the case because over time I found myself wanting to attain a better connection to God. Without a doubt, I have noticed my connection has been strengthened from where it originally was. In addition to the faith and fellowship, the people here, from the students to the personnel, are some of the most likable people I have been around. I can’t begin to count how often I’ve been asked to participate in events around campus. As an introvert, I initially tried to ignore and brush off whoever asked me but I eventually gave in and accepted. With the persistence and sincerity that was thrown my way,
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L I N K / FA L L 2 0 1 8
H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y
