Ali graduated from Front Range Christian School in 2008. At the time she wrote this story, she attended Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles, California, where she pursued Global Studies and Sports Ministry. She also played on APU’s womenʼs club volleyball team.
How has Christian Education benefited me?
Although there were times when I desperately wanted to go to a public school, I realize now that attending a Christian high school was a great benefit; so much so, that I decided to continue with Christian education at Azusa Pacific University. Attending APU has continued to challenge my faith and allowed me to grow.
Azusa Pacific requires 18 units of Bible and Theology classes in order to graduate. Taking Bible classes at Front Range Christian prepared me for these college classes. It is obvious that the biblical and academic training I received at FRCS launched me far ahead of my peers who attended public high school. I have had an easier time than most in transitioning into the rigorous work that Azusa demands from me academically.
One of the things that I enjoyed most at Front Range Christian were the spring practicums. One of the options was to help out at Open Door Ministries, an organization I had ties to through my church and my dad. For two summers during my Junior and Senior years, I interned at ODM as an Urban Missionʼs Leader. Youth groups would come from all over the country to go on an urban missions trip in Inner City Denver; I coordinated, scheduled and led these trips. It was not only a great experience, it also looked good on my resumé, and helped direct me towards a major in Global Studies with a desire to go into ministry after college. Had it not been for the opportunities available during high school to serve, I may not have chosen this path.
For my major I had the opportunity to study “abroad” in Inner City Los Angeles, on a program called LA term. On it, I lived with a Mexican family, was only able to take public transportation, and took classes that were focused on experiential learning. I learned what life is like for the non-privileged. Next year, I look forward to a new experience where I will be put into an even more intense learning program, I will live in a different country for six months working with a Grassroots organization.
My Christian education, both at FRCS and APU, has well prepared me for life now and into the future.
