Heather Fison
Class of 2011
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Major: English Education
Heather Fison is a passionate young woman from Alaska who is boldly following God’s call on her life one step at a time. She is involved in many extracurricular and academic activities on campus, and serves whole-heartedly in every capacity. Heather enrolled in a “study abroad” program at Focus on the Family’s Focus Leadership Institute in the fall semester of 2009 and is now back at Evangel to finish her degree in Education.
Why did you choose Evangel?
I have grown up attending Assemblies of God churches and always wanted to attend a Christian university. I received a pamphlet about Evangel in the mail and immediately felt at peace about the school. At the time, I didn't know it was associated with the AG, but once I found out that it was, I knew my beliefs would not be contradicted by going to Evangel. Evangel also offers the academic programs that I was interested in. Mainly though, God gave me a deep peace and assurance that I was going to come to Evangel even though I had never been to Missouri before and did not know how He would provide the finances for tuition and plane tickets to come. I miss Alaska but have never doubted for a second that this is where I am supposed to be during this season of my life. I love it here.
Did you visit Evangel before becoming a student?
Yes. I visited for a weekend during the spring of 2007. My heart was set on attending Evangel, and experiencing the school in person only confirmed that. The trip ended up being quite a mess, though. My flights were delayed so I arrived six hours later than planned, and to top that, my luggage was lost when I got here. I traveled by myself; my family was not able to come with me. (It is very expensive to travel outside of Alaska) Despite these difficulties, I decided that Evangel was the place for me!
Was the transition from Alaska to Missouri difficult for you?
Being so far from Alaska, I was extremely homesick my first semester at Evangel. The landscape is different (no mountains), the weather is different (for the most part, it's warmer here), and I did not know anyone at Evangel prior to coming. But I got involved on campus right away, and I have felt like this is a second home for me ever since.
Did you receive financial aid?
Yes. I was awarded the Presidential Scholarship and the Matching Church Leadership Scholarship.
How did you decide on your particular area of study?
From the time I was a child, i knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have always loved to read and write. My heart for ministry came toward the end of my high school career. I felt God prompting me into a full-time ministry setting.
What are the benefits of attending a smaller university?
I am not a number! My professors not only know my name, but also my story. They are interested in my life outside of their classroom, academic and otherwise. The class sizes are great because you can get to know most (if not all) of the students in your courses. Attending a smaller university provides the possibility of more one-on-one interaction with teachers and peers.
What do you like best about Evangel?
There are many things I love about Evangel, but if I had to choose just one, I would have to say that the people here are the best thing about this university. The faculty, staff and students genuinely care about one another and are willing to help each other even if they are not already acquainted. The atmosphere here truly is “Christian,” and people can readily see that when they walk onto this campus. I remember my campus visit: I was walking down the sidewalk toward the student union when a young man yelled at me across the yard. “Hey, did you drop something?” My camera case had fallen out of my hands, and he made sure I noticed. That’s incredible! I’ve had many other instances like that since coming to Evangel. That wasn’t a rare act of kindness.
How has Evangel's English Education program prepared you for the future?
Because I am an English Education major, I take classes both in the Humanities Department and the Education Department. Evangel makes sure that I not only know my subject matter but that I also know how to convey that subject effectively to my future students. The secondary education program here at Evangel lets you jump right into your field of study, providing a practicum at a local Springfield high school within your first year and half of college. Three practicums are required for my major before student teaching. Each gives me an opportunity to get acquainted with what a teaching career will actually look like after I graduate with my degree.
What kind of educational/service/leadership opportunities have you encountered?
I am in the Leadership Program here at Evangel, both as a leadership scholar and a leadership minor. I have been involved with Evangel’s Crosswalk Student Ministries as a member and student leader of a church-impact team. I have been a news anchor for Newswatch — a weekly Evangel television news program that airs on a cable channel here in Springfield. I have attended the Calvin Festival of Faith and Writing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with students and faculty from the Humanities Department.
What are your goals after college?
This summer I will be going to Decan, Kosovo through the 2010 Summer Missions Experience program which the AG Alliance of Higher Education offered applications for earlier this school year. I am super excited to see how God is going to use me during the eight weeks I'll be in Kosovo this upcoming June and July. But for now, I am just preparing myself physically, mentally and spiritually for what God has planned. I love to teach but am not yet sure how God is going to use that desire. I have a passion for full-time ministry and plan on becoming a credentialed pastor with the AG.
Why should a prospective student consider Evangel?
The real question is “Why shouldn’t a prospective student consider Evangel?” This university offers more than 100 academic programs which not only adequately prepare you for work in your field but also prepares you to incorporate your Christianity into your everyday life. With corporate student body worship, numerous chapel speakers, floor devotionals, and student-led prayer groups across campus, Evangel is a spiritual launching pad into the deep and fulfilled life God wants you to have.
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