'Tis the Season!

Christmas is a magical time of year! With the music, decorations and presents, you just can't help but love this holiday. And with its arrival comes the end of the semester, which everyone has been counting down to this since midterms. The merriment, activities, and even the break are not the only things that make Christmas such a wonderful holiday though. It is also a reminder that our God sent his son to earth to sacrifice himself for all of us. This sacrifice is at the heart of everything we do here at Point and Christmas is another opportunity for the students, faculty and staff to show God's love to each other and the community. This year Point jumped right into the Christmas spirit! We celebrated with choir concerts, outreach projects, and of course with each other even as final exams loomed around the corner. 

Our Fine Arts department presented A Point University Christmas. 

The concert showcased amazing performers including our: concert choir, Marching Skyhawks, and MusiKids. The performances ranged from traditional classics to not-so-traditional songs and jingles from around the world.  

Hosted every year, the Fine Arts department's concert allows not only the Point community but our surrounding community to come together. It is great to see all of those people in one room to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season. 

Our girls only bible study, The Well, spent time giving back to those in need.

"The Well used to be the The Point Women's bible study. Kaylee Bebee and I are in charge of it and decided that we wanted to revamp it a little bit. We wanted to provide the girls of Point a place to come where we could pour into them, because we know how draining school can be. We also wanted it to be a place where they are provided the opportunity to give back to the community around us, reaching further than just the Point Community," said co-leader Ashton Bettis when asked what sparked the idea for this Christmas project. 

She went onto explain that the group spent a night packing bags and writing encouraging notes for the Emmaus Women's Shelter in Lagrange, GA. The notes and bags were given to the women and children that are staying there. In the end, they were able to deliver over 30 bags of supplies to Emmaus! 

Student Life took the opportunity to raise awareness of a growing problem. 

On December 4th, a group of students and our Residence Life Coordinator, Kasey Bodine, participated in a community wide event called “Homeless-for-a-night”. They slept in cardboard boxes, ate out of trash cans,  and spent the evening fasting and praying for and serving the homeless people within our community at the Lanett High School football field. This event was sponsored by the Fuller Center and many local churches and businesses participated. Each participant was asked to raise $150.00. 100% of this money went directly to the families who need shelter and food for the coming winter. 

Kati Williams, one of the students who participated  says, "I think homelessness is a big issue that’s commonly overlooked, and I decided to participate in Homeless For a Night because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who think they’ve been forgotten in our community. The experience was so humbling, and completely changed my perspective of the real struggles of homelessness. It breaks my heart to think that we got to go to our warm homes after sleeping in 36 degree weather, but there are people so close to us that live the homeless reality night after night, in more extreme conditions."


The Campus Activities Board hosted Christmas with CAB!

The students at Point also took time to celebrate the holiday together. The Campus Activities Board hosted an event each night of finals to provide a study break and some holiday fun for the students. This was the organization's 3rd year hosting the event and they hope to continue making it a tradition.

The events this year included: Late Night Breakfast, Coffee and Live Music, and Cookies with Santa!



As you can see, Point has been busy this season. Now it's time for everyone to enjoy their time off with family and friends until we start again in January.

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Homecoming 2015

This is such a wonderful time of the year, leaves falling, morning dew, and rainy days. There are more things that makes this season wonderful though. As a student of Point University, there were also Homecoming activities to be a part of on campus like chorus concerts, intramurals, Feast, athletics, and many others.

This past week I got the chance to participate in the Point's Alumni tailgate. At the tailgate I talked to graduates from thirty years ago to recent graduates. These conversations were filled with encouragement from people who know the mission of Point University. The alumni know that Point is more than just a school to attend, but is also a place of transformation. Point became a place of transformation for me when I got into community. Community, like the alumni tailgate, can transform your life through the conversations. These conversations at the tailgate opened up opportunities for a dialogue that allowed me to understand how much I am loved just for being a student at Point.

Since I had the chance to participate in the tailgate it made sense for me to go to the Homecoming game! I was overcome with excitement by the win that our Skyhawks had against Southeastern Fire (66-34)! It is great to see success in both the football team and our very own marching band. Point University is propelling itself to be better in many different ways. It was awesome to see the students and alumni supporting Point, but we also received support from the city of West Point and Valley.

It is great to be “one part” of the body of Christ within Point University! 

 - Jonathan Adams

What's New at Point 2015

It’s a brand new year and there are some brand new things happening on campus! Check out what’s new at Point and see what students and staff think about it all!

Marching Band 

“The Point University Marching Skyhawks are set to become one of the leading programs in the marching arts in the southeastern United States. The goal of our program is to develop a world class marching program that not only attracts students from around the globe that are excited about the pageantry of the marching arts, but more so, engages this audience by developing them spiritually and teaching them that they were created with a destiny and a purpose. Our hope is that as we graduate Marching Skyhawks from Point University, we graduate global citizens that will engage our culture for Christ."

-       Dr. Josh Boyd, Director of Athletic Bands

“Being a member of the Marching Skyhawks is a pleasure and an honor! I knew that I was joining a marching band, but I did not realize that I was joining a family. The marching band is not only about memorizing the music and performing but also about using what we learn in those instances in other parts of our life. That would have to be my favorite part about this whole experience. We do not only learn how to be better band students but also learn how to be better individuals.”                                       - Nashanthea Roland, Freshman

“The best part of the program so far is the energy coming from every single member. Especially the love and support coming from the directors Dr. Boyd and Mr. Lightner. The band seems to be growing exponentially with each passing week. That, to me, just goes to show that we truly do have a top-notch marching band program going here at Point University! I would describe my experience as a marching Skyhawk as very exciting and enjoyable. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the beginning of something that is so incredible and is bound to just get better in the coming years.”

-         Senior, Sean Carroll 

New Music Business Minor and Production Specialization

“There has been a good response from students and those visiting campus to the new music offerings. Currently, there are three music students pursuing the music production specialization in the music degree, which is a good start.  The technology associated with music and worship in today’s world makes our new program very practical. This semester the music business course is being taught for the first time and will highlight some excellent professionals from the Atlanta area.  We hope to see more students pursue these new options!”

-         Dr. Byron Cartwright D.M.A, Professor of Music

“To start off, coming in as a freshman, I was originally a percussion major. I had always been fond of running live sound and recording, so I started taking the music technology classes that were offered. Coming into my senior year, Dr. Cartwright informed me that I would be able to specialize in Music Production and I knew right then that was what I wanted to do. It's a lot of fun learning about the history of music as a business and learning how studios and label companies actually work. It's very exciting knowing what I could do with this degree since I've always been the one who likes to be behind-the-scenes. That said, I'm hoping to use this degree to possibly work in a studio or maybe even try projects on my own.”

-         Adam Dillingham, Senior

Swim Team

“For the team, I strongly we believe we will have multiple NAIA National Championship qualifiers as well as relays qualify for Nationals. I hope to see these young men and women succeed in the classroom and the pool, but above all follow their faith in God. We have been working hard and continuing to build our spiritual strength as well as our physical strength. I would like to see this program really grow over the next few years. We have a great group of teammates to start the tradition of swimming here at Point.”

-         Kaymee Kelly, Head Swimming Coach

“I think the swim team is doing well, and we are open to anyone coming to join the team. The best part of being on the team is that you always have a base to lean on and have a support system that you can trust. This upcoming season I'm looking for the team to get stronger and bigger.”

-         Courteney Darrow, Freshman

     The Campus Store

“The campus store is very quick and convenient. I purchased and rented all my books at an affordable price. I also love the variety the campus store provides, and we can admit the Starbucks is a plus!”    

                 -         Tatiyana White, Senior

“I’m a huge fan of the store and the improvements offered this year. It is stocked with the basic necessities any college student might need. I find it so helpful that I can buy a variety of practical products like medicine, textbooks, and Point merchandise at a reasonable price. I also really like their merchandise. It’s trendy and allows me to be proud to support my school. I hope they keep up with the variety on their products and there taste and style in Point goods.” 

-         Abbey Lambert, Senior

     “The Point campus store constantly has great prices and they supply great colors to fit your style!”

-         Harsh Patel, Junior

Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone

     Excitement, anxiousness, and remarkable cluelessness: the three feelings I felt starting my freshman year. Now here I am two weeks later and those feelings have just begun to wear off. I’ve realized that moving involves more than just going away to college, it’s also about leaving home. Moving away from my family, friends, and comfort zone was hard. But the new sense of freedom and the idea of being able to be whatever I wanted were greater. It is said “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”  My two weeks at Point have proved that to be true.

     Move in day: The rush of unpacking, organizing, last minute Walmart runs, and meeting roommates left me no time for emotions. Honestly most of the day was a blur. I do remember the goodbyes though; aka the hardest part. For a moment everything slowed down. Mom is crying. Dads giving last minute advice like, “Study hard. Keep your GPA up”. And as my sister so lovingly put it “Don’t die. Love ya.” All of a sudden I realized everything familiar to me will soon be gone and I will be independent. I caught myself wondering if I made the right decision. Should I have just gone to college somewhere closer to home? This bittersweet moment was a turning point for me. I could be sad and stay in my room, or I could step out of my comfort zone and make new friends and create a fresh start. Thankfully I chose the latter.

     First week of school: The main difference I’ve noticed between high school and college is that the people who are here want to be here. There is no law that requires you to attend college. As I was trying to get to class early without tripping or sitting down in the wrong room, making new friends was the last thing on my mind. I’m glad other people didn’t have that same mindset. Walking through the hallway people seemed genuinely happy. As I found a seat in my first class the people around me were eager to introduce themselves and start up conversations. I felt a wave of relief. Being a college student wasn’t as intimidating anymore.

     Second week of school: By this time I know where my classes are, my roommates have become my first friends on campus, and I’m still trying to figure out what to do with my free time. At first I was a little bummed when I was the first one in the apartment to get back from class and had nothing to do. My mind would wander to thoughts of home and I became homesick. The week went on and I began to become more comfortable in my new surroundings. Nights that would have been filled with lonely Netflix watching turned into volleyball games and impromptu dance parties. Every day was a new chance to have an adventure. I stopped questioning if I made the right decision to attend Point and decided to embrace this new chapter in my life.

     Coming home for the first time: I packed my overnight bag, loaded two weeks of dirty laundry into my car, and hit the highway. Home, here I come! I spent the weekend with friends and family. I didn’t have to worry about who I was going to eat lunch with or what time I should set my alarm. It was good to be back. But just like every weekend, it was over before I knew it. As I got ready to head back it felt very similar to the time I did this two weeks ago except for one thing; instead of feeling nervous and unsure of the journey ahead I felt at ease and ready to start another week of learning, building relationships, and spontaneous dance parties.

     Two weeks ago I would have never imagined how much I could grow as an individual so quickly. College is only as fun as you allow it to be, but Point has made it especially easy for me to adjust and enjoy myself. I am so thankful for an environment that encourages me to be the best version of myself that I can be and guides me along the way.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” //Philippians 1:6   

Emily Johnson

Growing in Christ and in Lacrosse

Recently, you may have watched Oregon play Ohio State for the National Championship. If you didn’t know already, Oregon lost, but that’s not the only thing that people are talking about. Across the nation lacrosse has become one of the fastest growing sports. SBRnet showed that the number of participants in men’s college lacrosse had doubled in that time over a nineteen-year time span (SBRnet, 2011). In 2003, there were only a 168 men’s college lacrosse teams, but in 2012 there were 295 men’s college lacrosse teams (SBRnet, 2011). Even though that statistic was pertaining to men’s collegiate lacrosse, lacrosse has been growing at the men and women’s collegiate level. Vivirito (2012) mentioned how between 2006- 2010 men and women lacrosse has topped the list of growth rate in the entire NCAA (Vivirito, 2012).

Point University’s men’s lacrosse program is now in its third year. This year should lay the foundation for success with the new leadership of Chris Voso as the head coach. Along with the men’s program being new, last year Point also added a women’s lacrosse program. The women’s program will be driven by the leadership of Bryan Stanley. Coach Stanley has recruited 24 focused and determined ladies to start off the season.

I am currently in my sophomore year at Point University and plan to graduate in the Spring of 2017. I’m so  blessed to continue my passion in sports by being a part of the men’s lacrosse team. This opportunity has been amazing not only because I was blessed to play at the collegiate  level, but because of memories and the relationships made. I’ve grown very close to my team since my freshman year. They are truly people that I can call my friends and family.

Not only have we come closer as a family, but they have been a big part of my walk with Christ. Last semester Director of Spiritual Formation, Wye Huxford put in place something here at Point that we call Adventure Groups. Every Wednesday my team and I meet with our adventure group leaders Trevor Shealy and President Dean Collins. In Adventure Groups we had a discussion that derived from our reading plan of the New Testament.

In addition to my teammates and I growing together in our walk with Christ, we have been able to impact the community in a big way. This year Point introduced Impact Week, a whole week where the students and faculty had the opportunity to go out into the community to do service projects that were needed. We were able to be a part of people’s lives and let them know that we were there to help them and take some burden or stress that may have been on their lives. It gave me a warm feeling inside knowing that I was helping someone else whether it was trimming their hedges, cutting grass, cleaning up the weeds around their fence. In the process I was able to see the depiction of a loving Christian community.                                                                                                          

-Najarri 

References

SBRnet (2011). College/High School lacrosse participation. Retrieved from

http://www.sbrnet.com.pluma.sjfc.edu/research.asp?subRID=500&ResCode=lacrch1

Vivirito, John (2012). Lacrosse makes a run for growth. Sportstravel, 16(3), p.27-30

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The Start of my Year!

Have you ever just sat down and thought, “Oh my goodness, where has the time gone?” I have had that thought a lot lately. It feels like I was a freshman here at Point just yesterday! Now I am currently entering my second semester of my junior year and things are flying by. It’s already February and things are in full swing! Our first day of classes and syllabus week is over. Don’t let students tell you that we don’t enjoy that week; it’s the easiest week of the semester.  Some people have already had their first test or their first paper due, which means some people are already stressed out. I have gotten to the point of the semester, which usually comes towards the beginning for me, where I start to wonder why I took a 17 credit hour work load this semester. Seventeen hours on top of work and other things that I am involved in on campus can be a lot! Even though it can be heavy sometimes, I’ve gotten into my course work and I know that before I know it, it’ll be May of 2016. I will be grabbing that diploma and shaking President Collins’ hand with the biggest smile on my face. That thought alone is one of the things that keeps me going through a busy semester!

Even though the beginning of the semester is extremely busy, it is also one of the most fun times of the semester! One of my favorite things about it is that a new semester means new students! I love meeting new people and adding to our Point family. I look forward to welcoming new girls to my building and getting to know them individually. We had a lot of student life events in the beginning of the semester. An example of one is our bowling night. We took over the Auburn bowling alley and that was the coolest thing to see. There were so many new and old Point students in community with each other over a couple of games of bowling. Another example is our dodgeball tournament. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not the most athletic person ever, (even though I like to pretend that I am) but I played in the dodgeball tournament! To my surprise, I had so much fun! We didn’t win, but our team was great and we had a blast playing together.

Fun times can happen in the midst of classes and the stress that comes along with it! There have been so many fun times already and there are so many more fun memories to be made. It’s going to be awesome and I can’t wait to continue to do life with my Point family this semester! 

- Herani T