Pursuing Truth and Understanding in the World Around Us

A 2017 International Studies graduate, Christian is currently working as a Graduate Assistant for Around-the-World Semester®. He reflects on listening to your dad, making the most of your college experience, and traveling the world.

What led you to Concordia University Irvine?

I knew I was moving to California from Michigan, but I thought I was going to go to Azusa Pacific University. On a México mission road trip from Santa Cruz to Ensenada, my dad kept calling and texting me to check out CUI. I responded multiple times, “No way Dad, I already know where I’m going.” He kept telling me to check it out, so we stopped by for a quick tour and the moment I stepped into Grimm Hall, I knew CUI was the spot for me.

What influenced the choice of your major?

What influenced me was the class options. I was going through majors for what I wanted to learn about, and the class list for International Studies was exactly what I was looking for (especially with the study abroad requirement).

I love this major. I believe it could grow into an (even) greater program and I would love to be a part of it!

Where have you experienced growth as a student?

I experienced growth as a student in many ways. A student can be someone who goes to their classes, does their homework and that’s about it. Or a student can be involved in other aspects of campus life such as joining a sports team, participating in student leadership (ASCUI), partaking in different clubs, or having a job on campus.

For myself, Concordia’s Enduring Questions & Ideas Core curriculum was one of the most, if not the most, valuable academic experiences I’ve ever had. It has set me up for success in the pursuit of Truth and understanding the world around us, what it means to be human, and how we, being of Christ, can live beautifully from a wise perspective in the world around us.

I experienced growth as a student from participating in the Around-the-World Semester® (ATW). Having to travel, serve, and do classwork was a part of being a student on ATW. Because of the incredible group we had with incredible leaders, I grew to be able to do my student responsibilities in an ever-changing physical environment coinciding with serving those around me.

Which faculty or staff member do you most admire?

Dr. Jack Schultz AKA Anthropology Man

What sticks with you from Enduring Questions & Ideas?

Core Bio was huge for me, and our class. In our class, we had science majors, theatre majors, athletes, and intellectuals. It was a real diverse all-star group and everyone participated. We grew close as a class as we were led by Dr. Soper into thinking about the questions "What is Truth?" and "What does it mean to be Human?". Through this journey together we collectively learned invaluable knowledge that I continue to reflect upon in my daily life. This knowledge I gained has guided me into great places and into being with great people.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?

Being asked to be a Graduate Assistant on the Around-the-World® VI study abroad semester.  

How do you define vocation?

The journey necessary to seek after God and live out His will.   

What would be your ideal job?

Traveling the world as a professional surfer planting surf communities founded on following Jesus.

What is one thing you have most valued about your time at CUI?

My community. My community was cultivated from the foundation of seeking truth, goodness, and beauty in order to love our neighbor well and this is priceless to me. Also, a quick shout out to the Global Village Living Learning Community. It was the greatest place to be with people from all over the world, going on adventures, eating a bunch of food together, and all the other things we did.

What is your favorite Concordia tradition?

Turkey burger day in the caf.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Jordan Peterson, Henry Cloud, Scott Peck, John John Florence, Jack Schultz