On the Journey

In On the Journey, President Alan Cureton periodically shares reflections about education, faith, family, life and Northwestern College. To share comments with Dr. Cureton about On the Journey you may e-mail president@nwc.edu.

March 2013

Finding Joy in Vocation and Calling

The word vocatio is Latin. The root meaning of vocatio is “summons.” In its plural form, the meaning becomes “to call.” In modern English language, vocatio is known as “vocation” and its dominant use is correctly interpreted as “one’s chosen profession or occupation.”

Historically, the word vocation meant “a divine call to religious life.” Combining the historical and contemporary uses of the word, one may conclude, as stated in the most recent edition of Webster’s Dictionary, vocatio/vocation has two distinct meanings: religious calling (historic) or occupation (contemporary).

Vocation and occupation united

At Northwestern, we believe the decision a student will make regarding their life calling or career choice is a spiritual decision combining both the historic and contemporary definitions. Vocation and occupation, as in the original Latin, were never meant to be two separate definitions, but one unified and holistic concept. Because the founders of Northwestern held dearly to religious interpretation of the word “vocation,” vocatio has always been a strategic part of our college’s seal (along with biblia [modern Latin “Bible”] and ars scientia [roughly translated “arts and sciences””]) as well as a key component of our mission statement.

As we seek to educate students using the Word of God as the foundational Truth in understanding all aspects of creation, we simultaneously seek to prepare them for their chosen vocation—a vocation in which they will serve effectively.

Finding a sweet spot

Our career or calling should not be drudgery, but pure joy! And one of life’s greatest joys is when we are in the sweet spot of God’s plan. Finding that sweet spot is not always an easy journey (and may take time beyond college), but it is attainable.

Early in my professional “vocation” I found my sweet spot. As a member of the student life staff at another college, we were struggling to communicate a clear and cohesive vision about the program, its role, purpose, and function. After listening to varying concerns and comments, I offered my viewpoint of what could be, explaining in detail how certain changes and wording could increase our effectiveness and broaden our impact. Upon building consensus, each member of the staff agreed with the proposed changes and, more importantly, the college president loved it. The plan was formed, implemented, and confirmed. Thirty years later, the model still remains at that institution. Shaping an institution’s current and future direction is something I enjoy doing. It is my sweet spot.

Being able to assess and identify specific gifts and talents while pursuing them with passion, diligence, and resolve is a delightful and energizing experience. That experience has the potential to broaden and deepen our view of creation and our understanding of how we can, individually and corporately, make a difference in our lives and in the lives of those we serve.

So, as a value of importance, we must be prepared to fulfill our vocatio effectively and with excellence. As I say to students frequently, the Lord does not call us to mediocrity. We must seek to give Him our highest and best.

No matter what you do in life, as it pertains to your vocatio, my challenge to you is to do it with zeal, joy, excellence, and faithfulness.

August 2012

Telling a True Story

A lot of times when we think of marketing, we think of Madison Avenue, slick slogans and even deception. But at its core, good marketing is just telling the story of an organization. This year at Northwestern, we are focusing on some statements that we believe help convey the essence of who we are and what we do. No tricks. No deception.

One statement you may see on our website or in ads for Northwestern is “Come for a degree + leave with a clear vision for your life.” When I read this I can think of countless stories of this statement becoming a reality for our students. Julianna is one that comes quickly to mind.

Julianna's story

She came from a great family. The foundation was set for her to have a successful collegiate experience. By all indications, she was ready for the rigor and challenges of academic life. But, Julianna Scheumann’05 wanted more than just a degree. Julianna wanted to make a difference, to blaze a new trail, to reflect God’s love to a new generation, to grow in her skills and talents so that she could serve with zeal and zest. For Julianna was driven by a sincere and personal desire to impact lives and influence people’s hearts and understanding of the true purpose in life. She wanted to do so in an environment that would not only stretch her, but stretch those to whom she served.

Throughout her Northwestern experience, Julianna took full advantage of opportunities to mature into a strong leader. Specifically, her role as a resident assistant was an excellent training ground, preparing for her future calling. She used the various concepts and theories about leadership the professors and student life staff members were teaching her to invest in the lives of the residents on her floor. She was not only learning about leadership theory; she was learning to be a leader.

Julianna knew she needed to capitalize on the things she learned during her Northwestern experience and assimilate them. She just needed an opportunity, a special opportunity to shape her vision. Fortunately, her professors knew just the right experience.

Path to a Fulbright

At the encouragement of her professors, Julianna applied for one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the U.S., Fulbright Scholarship. Because of her talent, skills, gifts, and abilities coupled with God’s grace, she was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Scholarship. The Fulbright program only recognizes the best of our nation’s elite graduates. In their evaluation of Julianna, she was one. The year after her graduation from Northwestern, she lived in the country of Taiwan as a teacher, mentoring and loving students by investing in them professionally and personally, all the time reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. Even today you will find Julianna in the classroom of a multi-ethnic school setting here in the U.S., fulfilling her vision and dreams for life.

Northwestern is a place where dreams can come true and a vision for life can become reality. Just ask Julianna. It’s a place where dreams are refined, shaped, and birthed. It’s a place you come to get a degree and leave with a clear vision for your life—and that’s a true story.