In a world of nonchalance and paranoia, Azusa Pacific University is yet another victim. Campus life is slowly dying. With our board cutting extracurricular activities, and with funding becoming difficult to find, it is up to us to build our community.
When we look back on APU’s “Golden Years,” the reality is that students took control of their campus. Campus life thrived not through school-sanctioned activities, but because students were not afraid to care.
The Rock has been brought back!
APU did not start this tradition. Students stole the original rock in the dead of the night from a construction zone.
What I am trying to tell you is that it is up to the students. I am not telling you to steal from the school or break the law (I’m not allowed to condone that behavior), but I hope that the next generation of APU students can bring back joy and life to the campus.
Go to everything you can: student recitals in Munson Chapel, Residence Life events, and hangouts at the Yard. The friendships, relationships, and community that students crave takes effort. Building a community is both terrifying and ultimately rewarding.
Traditions need to be started in one way or another. When looking back on APU’s 126 years, we can see that the university has given space for a multitude of traditions to arise. Speaking with alumni reveals how much the campus community has changed over the years and how much student involvement feeds into life on campus.
When the energy on Cougar Walk feels low, perhaps because construction overpowers conversation, greet those you know with energy or foster community in Coug Corner. If you crave creativity and discussion, attend the opening of an art student’s gallery or walk the halls on West Campus. If you have trouble finding your people, join all the clubs you can. Introduce yourself to the people you sit next to on the trolley and ask intentional questions.
It is terrifying, yet necessary. Relationships don’t start without intention. You can be nonchalant about it, but why not be whimsical and intentional instead? Give to your community, and watch it grow.