What I love about HPU
By Devin Schurman, senior from La Vernia majoring in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, strategic communication and public policy
Having been homeschooled throughout high school, coming to college was a very scary thought. I was not sure what to expect. When I finally got all moved in, Howard Payne University made sure that I felt right at home. During the first several days, I was able to meet so many new people and form friendships that will never go away. I was also able to meet my teachers and create a bond with them where I was able to feel like I could go to them at any time and talk about anything. HPU is now my home away from home, where I feel sad at the end of every semester that I have to leave. We are given so many opportunities to be plugged in, and this is something I would never trade for the world.
Howard Payne is also a place where I have received an outstanding education. The learning environment is one where everyone can thrive. When I am confused about any assignment, I know that my teachers’ doors are always open. It is also extremely important to me that our education is in a Christian environment. Being in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, this is crucial. In the Honors Academy, we engage in very interesting discussions revolving around hot political questions of the day. While there are many interesting points that are brought up, I love that the teachers always bring it back to how the Bible discusses these points. This makes sure that, while we may all have our own thoughts and opinions, we understand what the Bible has to say about certain topics and apply that in our discussions.
"Not only are the academics a highlight of HPU, but the community that you join here is one that you will never forget."
Over my last three years, I have also come to love the community here at HPU. There truly are so many opportunities to be able to do things outside of academics. I have loved becoming involved in the intramural program here on campus. Getting to put my work away for a couple hours two nights a week and play sports with friends is a nice break from academics. In the last year, I have also joined the intramural staff as a referee. My coworkers are some of the nicest people that I have ever met and it makes my job even more fun to work with such a great group of people. I have also been able to play with the newly created Howard Payne esports team. This has just been another experience that has allowed me to be more involved with the community here on campus.
In high school, I was very actively involved in competing in speech and debate. When I was trying to choose a college, I looked heavily at different colleges that offered speech and debate programs and how well they competed. Despite being one of the smaller colleges, HPU had a stellar record when it came to speech and debate competitions. I am so glad this is where I continued to pursue my speech and debate career. The coaching has allowed me to refine and progress my skills to levels that I did not think was possible. This team has also truly become a second family to me over my last three years. We are able to travel to cool places – not only around the United States, but around the world. These trips have only furthered the bond that I have with my teammates and have allowed us to create such a special connection with each other.
HPU is truly a place where I feel like I belong. I have learned so much just from being here. The teachers are truly invested in making sure that I do not just get a degree but am actually ready to go out and be successful in the world. Not only are the academics a highlight of HPU, but the community that you join here is one that you will never forget. This campus truly has made me feel at home, and I have created friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime. I am beyond happy that this is the college that I chose to make my home. There is no other place that I would rather have gone.
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