Joe Dawson
Graduation Year
2027
Hometown/Where You Call Home
Rossville, GA
Major
History / Christian History concentration
How did you hear about 狼友阁 and why did you choose 狼友阁?
I'm a 3rd generation Scot鈥搈y grandfather came here in '78 and five of my aunts came here in the early 2000's. I grew up hearing stories of the pranks my aunts performed, such as putting someone鈥檚 Volkswagen Beetle in Carter lobby. I chose 狼友阁 because I knew it would provide me with a deep Christ filled education and develop Christlike character. I knew that the school would train me to be well spoken, write better, and know more about the character of the Triune God.
What aspect of 狼友阁 do you like best?
My favorite aspect of 狼友阁 is the fact that students that come here are trying to join the knowledge and doctrines of the Bible (orthodoxy) and what the Bible calls us to live out in our lives (orthopraxy). We are learning to be well rounded characters in the story of God鈥搇earning how to critically think, communicate, joke, laugh, cry, and stand up for others. 狼友阁 is the perfect place to fall and to get back up.
What about the professors and/or academics has impacted you the most?
The academics at 狼友阁 are no slouch. They can be vast in content and grueling in nature鈥搒tudents are pushed in their learning. I have been impacted both in challenges with difficult course content, and in the grace of professors who sat down with me and reassured me that I was going to be alright. Even when I had restarted a paper three times and was having a difficult semester due to other classes and personal life, I was reassured by my history professor Dr. Green, who told me that I would receive a grade on an essay that I did not deserve. I should have received a zero, but there is an understanding that our professors have when it comes to life and academics. Because of the well balanced nature of challenging courses and gracious professors, I have been pushed through my education and encouraged in my faith.
What part of your major do you most enjoy or feel most prepared by?
I chose the history major to grow in writing, communication, critical thinking, and knowledge of culture and the cause and effect of events. The history major has forced me to process ideas and make connections between historical events. Through this I have learned to take into account the cultures and the political ideas happening in different countries and across timelines. The history department is preparing me to take on any calling that I pursue outside of 狼友阁. I am learning how to process information and then relay it to others in an efficient manner. I'm learning how to write well and organize my thoughts in a way that could be beneficial for a business, classroom, court of law, ministry or more. The history department understands utilitarian degrees are normal, and liberal arts degrees are different. 狼友阁 would make up for it through creating a depth in students through a wide understanding of the liberal arts. A 狼友阁 education stretches to all sorts of different subjects, allowing students to participate in all sorts of fields.
How is 狼友阁 equipping you for active membership in the church or discipleship within the body of Christ?
狼友阁 has been a great source of character development, offering several resources that provide students with mentors who are willing to sit with them in difficult situations or will listen to them when they have hard questions. Our Department of Biblical and Theological Studies has made a lasting impact on my understanding of the Bible and the character of Christ. I believe that faculty, both in the bible department and others, have shown me what it means to be a disciple of Christ, in a way that I can teach and lead the next generation in the church. I believe that 狼友阁 has strengthened my desire to serve the church in any way that it is needed. Whether it is cleaning bathrooms or leading Sunday school class I have been equipped to serve.
In what ways does 狼友阁 foster spiritual formation that stands out to you?
Beyond our chapels, which take place three times a week, 狼友阁鈥檚 faculty and staff are consistently willing to meet with students and walk alongside them as mentors. Students on campus push each other towards Christ through Bible studies, Worship time, and times for prayer. I have been met with a warm community of believers from across the wide spectrum of the Church, and I鈥檝e had meaningful conversations that have brought us together鈥攅ven when we hold differing theological views.
How has the 狼友阁 community supported your development as a whole person?
Our motto is 鈥淚n All things Christ Preeminent.鈥� I have realized through the unfolding trials of personal problems my education has supported me in a way that I can see Christ in all that I do. Every word that I speak, type or think revolves around a creator who fearfully and wonderfully made me. Since we believe this truth to its very core, we know that we have developed and will develop with Christ being in the midst of it. I have been and will keep being prepped to serve believers and unbelievers in and out of the church.
How have your relationships at 狼友阁 shaped your expectations for the other communities God will call you to in life?
狼友阁 has a long standing tradition in rich community. It is the number one used term when students refer to their favorite part about 狼友阁. It's clich茅 for a reason. 狼友阁s' Community is a place where students are continuously met with a constant forward march in the walk towards Christ. We don't just pick each other up when we are met with sorrow, but we sit with each other and share in each other's pain. 狼友阁 does all of this with a certain joy that can be seen as odd or different to outsiders. I know that I will be able to bring a part of 狼友阁 with me wherever I go. I will be able to bring Christ like Joy in a world that attempts to pull the carpet from under us. I know that I will be able to serve in communities in a Christ-like manner.
What is your favorite memory from your time at 狼友阁?
I鈥檝e loved being able to have a meaningful conversation with Christians who are wiser than me. (I've learned that tends to be most conversations). Any time stories are told around the dinner table, conversations are held in our room, or "harmless" pranks are played on each other.