What I Love About HPU

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,

I W I L L B E E T E R N A L LY

G R AT E F U L T O E V E R YO N E

A N D E V E R Y T H I N G AT

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY.

how could I keep rejecting their offers? I now know it was the right choice to make. At HPU we’re one big family, and I believe that, because Howard Payne is such a small university, building relationships comes easily and naturally. But you can’t have these connections unless there are people who are willing to start and maintain them, which is something that HPU has in both quality and quantity.

The last aspect of HPU that I find so great is the comfortable environment. Coming from Houston, the largest city in Texas as well as one of the largest cities in America, I was a little skeptical about coming to the quiet, small town that is Brownwood, Texas. However, I quickly discovered I rather enjoy the quietness very much. I assume that, due to my mostly introverted nature, I came to appreciate the quiet moments. I do like to be around friends and interact with different people, but I find myself most at peace and content when I’m by myself and HPU gives me plenty of time to do so. For me, doing homework, watching anime, reading or being on my phone are things best done in a cozy atmosphere. This also comes with the advantage of keeping me focused when doing something of importance. If I were to have attended a larger and more populated university, I believe that I would not have as many chances for peaceful time to myself. This is yet another reason why I appreciate HPU as much as I do.

Howard Payne is a very special university. What makes HPU so amazing can’t be defined by a singular characteristic. Howard Payne may not be the flashiest university out there, but no one can say that it’s not unique. Looking back on everything I have experienced in coming to this great place, I can confidently say that I don’t, for a single second, regret coming here and I will be eternally grateful to everyone and everything at Howard Payne University. This is where I truly belong.

Keith Baker (pictured at left outside the HPU art studio) finds plenty of time at HPU for both personal reflection and interaction with friends. He is also pictured at an easel inside the art studio (adjacent to the Doakie Day Art Center) and with a resident of Jennings Hall where Keith serves as an RA.