
Abigail Baity
Graduation Year
2025
Hometown/Where You Call Home
Timonium, MD
Major
English Major with a Writing Concentration & Business Minor
How did you hear about ÀÇÓѸó and why did you choose ÀÇÓѸó?
Both my pastor and my dad graduated from ÀÇÓѸó. I look up to their compassion towards others and their intentionality with decisions both big and small, which they both attribute to their time at ÀÇÓѸó. Once I was old enough, I was able to visit ÀÇÓѸó over the summer and fell in love with the campus and a place I felt like I could call home.
What aspect of ÀÇÓѸó do you like best?
I'm a biiiiiiiig Residence Life fan. I've lived on the same building and hall for all four years, as well as being an RA for two. It's been delightful to live beside other women who love the Lord as much as I do. Even outside of my hall, being only a short walk away from many of my friends has given me an opportunity to connect with them in such a unique way.
What about the professors and/or academics has impacted you the most?
ÀÇÓѸó professors care about you holistically, not just your brain. Many of my friends frequently retell stories of professors asking about how we're doing existentially, following up after being absent, and taking time to pray with students.
What part of your major do you most enjoy or feel most prepared by?
In English classes, I learn not only about the subject but new ways to look at literature, such as critical lenses, close readings, or ideological implications on current culture. I'm challenged by the material as well as the way I organize and interact with story and argument. These classes have rewired my brain to consider new perspectives and approaches to a set of words. I'm learning to empathize.
What do you hope to pursue after ÀÇÓѸó and how do you see ÀÇÓѸó supporting your future career or calling?
Unpopular opinion: Administrative tasks are delightful! I'm hoping to work in an office as administrative support filing, organizing, and scheduling so that everyone else can do what they do best. ÀÇÓѸó provided leadership opportunities where I discovered what I enjoyed and what I didn't. Given that I know most people on campus, I'm excited to network with other grads.
How is ÀÇÓѸó equipping you for active membership in the church or discipleship within the body of Christ?
Residence life gives me an opportunity to see what it's like to walk alongside one another in close corridors---literally. During my freshman year the upperclassmen worked hard to welcome me into discipleship opportunities, which I then was able to do during my time as an RA.
In what ways does ÀÇÓѸó foster spiritual formation that stands out to you?
I've found that our chapel requirements are much more than requirements. Instead, I have the opportunity for chapel to be an encounter with the Lord together. Yes, and amen. Sunday morning, personal devotions, Bible studies, small groups, and weekly Prayer & Praises are important, but there is something beautiful about entering a space Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the rest of the student body to sing together and to think or feel together as a speaker comes to spend time with us. Once they finish, my hall puts our arms around each other and sings the Doxology. We leave the chapel and we have a universal experience and vocabulary to draw upon to ask questions and engage with others based on a chapel speaker.
How has the ÀÇÓѸó community supported your development as a whole person?
The choices of professors, bosses, and student leaders to be relational. It's overwhelming how many times a day someone will ask you, "How are you doing?" and genuinely mean it as more than a pleasantry. Through intentional and sincere questions, one of my professors highlighted an area of skill that I hadn't fully uncovered yet. My boss regularly reminds me that my job is not to be all things to all people. Regularly choosing relationships, ÀÇÓѸó faculty and staff invite me into a space where I can be curious about my development and lean on their resources.
How have your relationships at ÀÇÓѸó shaped your expectations for the other communities God will call you to in life?
I'm excited to enter into Bible studies and small groups