Kindness: our actions speak louder than words
Caring for other people—our mission. Living in Light of the Gospel—our motivation. Showing others the light of Christ is a goal of many here at Bob Jones University, and it is what makes our University a family. Here are some examples of people who have carried out this theme on campus.
Heather Brown, Junior
Dramatic production major Kelly Sharpe said a new friend in her society, junior dramatic production major Heather Brown, reached out to her early in the semester with a care package. Kelly said the surprise made her day.
“It was this box, and when I opened it, it was just full of chocolates, and hot chocolate and popcorn,” she said. “I wasn’t having the greatest day, and she knew it, so it was very encouraging.”
Kaitlyn Asato, Freshman
Freshman elementary education major Kaitlyn Asato said her RA, senior middle school education major Andrea Adair, helped her get through a difficult time in late September when her great-aunt passed away. “She made sure I was OK and kept asking,” she said. “She took me out for ice cream and to church with her.”
One week later, freshman humanities major Stephanie Woughter lost her grandfather, and Kaitlyn took time to be there for her. “I knew how it felt, not being there with her family, so I wanted to encourage her,” Kaitlyn said.
Kaitlyn had supper with Stephanie, wrote her a note and gave her a bag of goodies.
Although Kaitlyn and Stephanie didn’t know each other very well at the time, they have since become closer friends.
“Everyone has something they are struggling with,” Kaitlyn said. “And it’s just encouraging to know that someone is not into themselves, but they want to encourage you.”
Karissa Cronemeyer, Senior
Mathematics education major Christimer Melendez needed dental surgery last semester and didn’t have the necessary funds. Christimer and one of her good friends, senior early childhood education major Karissa Cronemeyer, prayed about her predicament.
A few days before her appointment, Christimer still didn’t have the money.
Karissa walked down the hall of second-floor Mack, and e-mailed friends and members in her society. “She told them the situation and asked them to donate change here and there,” Christimer said.
Between Sunday night and Monday night, Karissa raised $1,800 for Christimer’s surgery. “I was completely amazed. I was shocked,” Christimer said. “I didn’t know she was doing this at all.” The donations paid for Christimer’s first few payments, and the Lord continued to provide the rest.
Christimer said that people will be blessed by giving to others. “If you see a need and if you have the ability to meet that need, go for it,” Christimer said. “You don’t know the impact you have.”
Larry Stofer, Sophomore
Radio and television broadcasting major Larry Stofer began surprising friends last year with homemade sweets and small gifts.
Larry said that many of his friends told him they never get night mail. “And I was like, ‘Well, that’s dumb. The girls on campus should get night mail.’”
Larry said that since he is a day student, he has extra time to do things for other students. He goes to the front desk in the residence halls usually twice a week and asks the RA to take the gifts to his friends. “I do it in large batches,” he said. “I think I baked 100 cookies and split it up between five different [residence halls]. I’ll get four or five bouquets of flowers and send them to different dorms.”
He also writes cards to his friends as a way of encouragement. “Whenever I get in creative moods, I’ll write the whole thing, this side and that side,” he said.
Larry said that little acts of kindness will make someone’s day much better. “I want to challenge guys to really go out of their way, even for girls that are just friends. I’ve been told it really makes a difference.”
Larry believes the campus will benefit as a whole if students encourage each other. “I want to challenge more people to get out of their circles,” he said.
Nathan Crockett, Bible Professor
Three days a week, Bible teacher Mr. Nathan Crockett and his wife, Abigail, eat lunch with students. Mr. Crockett said that spending time over a meal is a great way to get to know them. “I e-mail students a lot,” he said. “But there is something different about just sitting down and talking to someone—it’s amazing.” He said as a teacher, it helps him to understand his students have a life outside the classroom. “They’re not an ID number; they’re not a grade,” he said.
Another of Mr. Crockett’s traditions—sending cards and candy bars to students on birthdays—began with a memory from his freshman year.
Mr. Crockett said he was about to take his History of Civilization exam and had been completely absorbed in studying that morning. He was sitting next to one of his best friends, who leaned over and told him “happy birthday.”
“And I was like, ‘It’s not my birthday!’” Mr. Crockett said. But his friend persisted in saying that it was, until finally Mr. Crockett realized the truth. “I look at my watch, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I guess it is my birthday today,’” he said. “And then I get my test and take it.”
Mr. Crockett said that at home, a student usually celebrates a birthday with family, but at college, a student’s friends may not even know. “So it made me think, ‘I should start sending people cards on their birthdays.’”
Mr. Crockett also sends out several hundred of students’ favorite candy bars each semester.
Students are usually very appreciative. He said he is amazed that busy students take the time to send a thank-you card or an e-mail. “It’s not a lot of money for a candy bar. It’s totally worth it to us,” he said. “They sometimes show so much appreciation.”
Whether it’s helping with a need, sharing a meal or writing an encouraging word, BJU students have countless opportunities to invest their time and resources in the lives of others.
