Jared's Story

There is something different about Andrews University: from the lush Arboretum and the bustling Dairy, to our wealth of thriving programs like Nursing, Physical Therapy, and the Sciences. Yes, these are all important aspects of Andrews, but they are not what drew me here. For me, the decision to come to Andrews was an easy one.

Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to fly. The mystery of how a metal tube flies through the air at high speeds boggled my mind. Since Andrews University is the only Adventist university that offers degrees in both Aviation Flight and Maintenance, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I applied and was accepted, and found myself finally plotting my own course in life.

The first day of school was unlike any other: taking hold of the flight controls of the aircraft and soaring above the clouds left me speechless. Classes continued on and finally it was the day of my first solo flight. My flight instructor signed me off and away I went!

The summer between my sophomore and junior years, my mother ended up in the hospital with a brain tumor. It was a terrible time for my family, and we really relied upon each other to get through this dark time in our lives. After consulting with my family, we decided that it would be best if I went back to school for my junior year.

My mother was in a medically-induced coma that whole summer, and passed away the first week of my junior year. The first people to come to my dorm room were my Aviation Department family. During the time when I needed someone the most, my friends from the Aviation department were there. They even flew me home and allowed me time to be with my family.

It’s been a couple years now, and I am still not sure why God removed my mother from my life, but what I am sure of is that He is watching over me. I know that if I hadn’t come to Andrews, my story wouldn’t be the same as it is today, and it is because of donors like you that I was able to come to Andrews in the first place.

Every day, donors give gifts to the Fund for Andrews, which supports student scholarships, academic research opportunities, and the heart of campus life. Countless students, including myself, have been blessed by your generosity. The education, guidance, and spiritual support I’ve found here were made possible because of you, and for that, I thank you.

Many blue skies and lots of tail winds later, I am graduating with my degree in August 2014. Although my future may be hazy, I know that with God’s help and the connections I made at Andrews, He will see me through. Shortly after I graduate, students will be flooding the campus once more. Some are returning to the sights, sounds and atmosphere that make Andrews unparalleled. Others are just starting on what will be their own unique Andrews experience.

I know first-hand the difference Andrews can make in a student’s life, and because of this, I’d like to encourage you to take this opportunity to give back to the Fund for Andrews to support the students here. Each and every gift is important, and has the opportunity to forever change a student’s life.