Gabe
Class of 2010
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Major: Accounting and English
Choosing a major can be a tough decision — and when Gabe chose to pursue degrees in English and accounting, many asked him how he planned to use them together.
Now a senior with plans to go to law school, Gabe has intertwined both of his interests to write a children’s book on Christian business ethics that is now in production to be published.
Why did you choose to come to Evangel?
I felt that Evangel offered education above many secular universities while emphasizing the Christian lifestyle. Both of my parents also came here.
Which residence hall do you live in? I am a resident of Scott First South, the male honors floor. I have served as floor vice president and in various ways on hall council for three years.
Did you receive financial aid?
I received several scholarships offered through Evangel. Evangel has also done an outstanding job in helping me search for outside sources in order to keep my education going with the least financial burden possible.
Did you visit Evangel before becoming a student?
Yes, I visited Evangel on several occasions including Crusader Days (now EU:24) and homecoming.
What do you like about the campus?
It is large enough to give you the college experience while retaining a closeness that is lost at many universities.
What do you like about being an Evangel student?
Getting to know other students on more than the surface level is a huge plus and the professors care a great deal for the students and make it a personal mission to integrate faith and learning.
So far, what kind of educational/service/leadership opportunities have you encountered?
If you want the opportunity to lead and be in service, Evangel offers a plethora of opportunities. I have encountered the opportunity to lead in both departments including advisory boards, student panels, and have been a part of many service projects overseas. Additionally, I lead the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization on campus. This role has allowed me to use both my majors to make a difference. While I feel like my odd combination of majors and interests would leave me disconnected at other schools, Evangel has embraced my unique situation and has allowed me to find numerous positions to fit in and lead.
You received a grant through SIFE to promote literature in urban communities. What is that about?
I was able to obtain a grant to publish a children's book that will teach Christian business ethics to children who would not be normally be exposed to such teaching.
How did you come across an opportunity like that?
Honestly, my dad gave me the idea in an offhanded remark. I ended up spending many hours in research, on the telephone, and sending e-mails to find a sponsor.
What stage are you at with the book?
The project is still in the mid-stages. It has been through a few drafts and is currently being illustrated a second time. I was able to take the rough draft on a service trip to Jamaica this spring and the feedback I obtained there is being implemented now.
Have you had any other internships or practicums?
I had an internship with a company that does marketing for commercial products such as Oxyclean and Shamwow. I was able to use my business knowledge to understand the economic and market of the products and to use my English skills to write surveys, copy for Web sites and edit outgoing promotions.
What are your personal and career goals after college?
I feel that my career is not the most important thing in my life; I would rather use it to bless others. I do plan to attend law school after graduating from Evangel.
What are your top strengths* and how do you use them?
Focus, Individualization, Context, Input, Learner. I use my strengths everyday in order to refine them and understand them in such a fashion that I may be the best I can be.
*Evangel University is one of 600 universities which use Gallup's strengths-based, leadership-development program. All students learn what their top five strengths are, and leadership training during their years at Evangel helps them to develop and maximize these talents.
Why should a prospective student choose Evangel?
At Evangel, you are able to get an outstanding education while enjoying the opportunity to grow spiritually. I believe a student would be hard-pressed to find another place that emphasizes learning and Christianity in the same ways.
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