Union University has always been a keystone of my family’s educational tradition. Beginning with my paternal great-grandmother, the Gerrell family has had many graduates from the grounds of Union University, with the most recent being my brother whom graduated from the class of 2016. When I was accepted to the university, I was elated. Not only because I would be able to carry on the legacy put before me by my family as a fourth generation Unionite, but also because I was able to attend one of the most prestigious private colleges in the country. With the amazing standards of the university, comes the focus of staff to students, the striving of improvement, and the nature of God in studies, Union has been able to …show more content…
A prime example of this was my achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout in my local Boy Scout troop. Throughout my endeavors in the program, I had many mentors such as both my father and brother to show me which paths to take to achieve the goals before me. Another example of such dedication was my aspiration and perseverance to achieve a 29 on the ACT. I took the standardized test a total of nine times with the specific goal in mind of the ability to apply for the prestigious event of scholar’s weekend at Union University. Throughout these two achievements, I not only portrayed determination to accomplish the tasks at hand, but I also displayed a great standard of excellence. Likewise, in its first core value, Union University also states its incredible drive for excellence. With the distinction strived for by the staff and students of the University, students are able to grow into a life of service. For example, when an elementary school teacher instructs his or her students on the fundamentals of grammar or mathematics, he or she is performing a service to the students. However, when this said teacher is taught how to instruct with a standard of excellence in mind, the person in question is able to perform service on a much higher level. Through this standard of excellence taken up by both the staff and students of the university, students are able to learn how to serve to the best of their …show more content…
It is easy to see how, at this point in time, our nation along with the rest of the world is crumbling at its seams. With its focus on creating a better future, the university has created an atmosphere based around theology and missions. This environment of missions allows students to have an opportunity to serve in the surrounding areas, and even around the world to create a better future. By participating in this service around the world, students are able to build relationships and create better environments to provide hope for a better