ERIN GREENLAW

GREENLAW

Hailing from the Golden State, California, Erin recounts the journey that brought her to WAU. As a senior at Washington Adventist University she is one of the most involved students on campus.

Greenlaw’s face represents many of our departments and programs. She is known by many as a softball catcher and utility player.

“Being a student-athlete opened many doors and opportunities to me,” said Greenlaw.

Given that she had a vast pool of options to choose from, one might ask, why WAU? Greenlaw says, “I chose WAU because WAU chose me first.” Despite the many scholarship opportunities softball provided her, the offer at WAU was the one that captured her heart.

Leaving her West coast home to come to the DMV was not an easy move. But Greenlaw is grateful for the friendships she made here, the memories, and the experiences that have groomed her into the leader she is today.

“Ironically, I was not involved in any leadership positions as a freshman,” Greenlaw said. “I was shy and had never taken such a role before, because I didn’t think I would be good at it.”

According to Greenlaw, during her sophomore year she experienced many changes. Her brief encounter with First Year Experience Coordinator, Ms. Becky Barker, was the push she needed to come out of her shell.

“What I saw was an infectious smile and willingness to serve,” says Becky Barker, FYE Coordinator. “I wanted to stretch the leader out of Erin. I wanted to develop, strengthen and grow her leadership skills.”

Now, Greenlaw is thankful that she said yes. Her positive experience compelled her to stay on the team and now she is the FYE Student Captain.

“I am thankful for the pressure,” says Greenlaw. “Deep inside, I wanted to do it but I wasn’t sure I would be good at it. It took someone believing in me and giving me that push.”

Greenlaw is now doing it all from the gym to the field, to the classrooms and the music halls. She serves as the class president for her senior class, the student president for the Honors College, and the secretary for the National Leadership Honor Society, ODK. 15

Her exemplary leadership and outstanding service to the WAU learning community have granted her a nomination to receive the Weniger Fellows Student Scholarship. A scholarship awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence in spirituality, academics, civic service, and leadership at all thirteen Adventist academic institutions of higher education. Greenlaw is the fourth recipient of this award at WAU.

Greenlaw will be graduating next Spring ‘22 with a double major in Health Science and Honors. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT).

“As an athlete, I’ve been in and out of therapy multiple times,’’ says Greenlaw. “I know how hard it can be as a patient. I want to help others get through physical therapy, not just physically but also mentally.”

Greenlaw also has a passion for acting and music. Her most recent venture included participation in a student-written and produced Musical, “Becoming,” where she played one of the main characters, the storyteller.

Washington Adventist University is proud of Greenlaw and the leader she has become. Greenlaw, the WAU community and family commends you for your hard work and applauds you for your achievements. May you continue to be the servant leader you have demonstrated to be, and may your light shine ever so brightly everywhere you go.

Written by: Naomy Rodrigues

Erin assists Becky Barker on the First Year Experience Team. Each Semester begins with a trip to the ropes course. 17

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