ANDERSON UNIVERSITY: PERSUASIVE SPEECH

Good morning, everyone.

My name is Allie Eskridge, and it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to share only a glimpse of how Anderson University strives to create a lasting impact in your life and the lives of all of its students. Choosing a college is immensely stressful; it is with ease that one can get caught up with rankings, statistics, acceptance rates, and tuition costs. While those things do matter, I want to touch on something that matters even more: personal growth. Because college is not simply just four years of your life, but rather four important years that will shape the rest of your life. Speaking from both experience and deep admiration for this institution, I can confidently say that Anderson University is more than just a college; it is a launchpad for your future and a home for your personal growth.

Anderson University possesses an exceptional environment for students to grow in knowledge, in personal health, and in faith, to prepare students to live lives of purpose, service, and leadership. 

At its core, Anderson University is deeply committed to academic excellence. There are over 60 undergraduate majors alongside multiple graduate programs. This allows students to have access to a broad spectrum of academic disciplines such as nursing, engineering, ministry, and business. Students gain hands-on experience through a wide variety of internship programs, student-led research, study abroad opportunities, and many more experiences of a similar nature. Here at Anderson University, you learn by doing, whether that is in a lab setting, in the community, or in the nursing field. Anderson University is not a place to prepare to only pass exams, but rather to learn to solve problems, lead others, and make a difference. 

College is not solely about academics; it is also a time when one should work on becoming a whole, healthy person. And this is another area where Anderson University shines. As a former Trojan, I can attest to the stress that college can have on your life, but above all else, it is important to prioritize your health. Learning how to prioritize both your mental and physical health is difficult, but here at Anderson University, I personally was able to utilize their mental health services, as well as their wellness services. Through the Thrive Wellness Center, I was able to receive counseling, health education, and care from doctors when I was under the weather. From fitness classes, intramural sports, outdoor recreation, and wellness workshops, I was able to take advantage of the programs to promote physical health. The Wellness Center offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment to allow students to maintain and promote physical health. Students are not pushed to the brink; rather, they are taught to rest, reflect, and practice self-care. This university does not just prepare you for your career but rather aids in the development of habits that are healthy in order to assist their students in creating a sustainable life, grounded in health and wellness. 

Finally, and perhaps most powerfully, Anderson University is a place where students can expect their faith in Christ to thrive. The personal impact Anderson University has had on my life is a beautiful testimony to God, from professors who pour into you to a variety of campus ministries, Anderson University integrates faith in every part of their campus life. Professors openly discuss their belief in Christ, opportunities for mission trips, and outreach opportunities are given, and students are pushed to ask tough questions about their beliefs. Anderson University is like a garden where you will flourish and bloom under the care of your professors and our on-campus leaders. Whether you already possess a firm foundation for your faith, are just beginning your spiritual walk, or are not familiar with Christianity at all, Anderson University provides a community that will walk with you, challenge you, and ultimately, encourage you to explore your beliefs and grow in your personal relationship with God. Here, faith is not treated as an extracurricular; it is part of the foundation of this school. 

You may ask yourself, “Why should I go to Anderson University?” While that is not my decision to make for you, I believe that this place is where knowledge is pursued with passion, where your well-being is prioritized, and where your faith is deepened. As a graduate, I truly have seen the impact this insulation has had on my life for the better, allowing me to succeed at a young age. I hope that in this short time, I have been able to provide insight into the workings of this incredible school. 

Thank you so much for your time today, and I cannot wait to see how your journey will unfold.