Celebrating ministry, scholarship and their intersection on Scholars Day
January 01, 2020
One of the most transforming aspects of Ouachita is that it offers many ways for one
to grow spiritually and through service. Through relationships, mentorships and small
group discipleship, Ouachita has spurred me to grow deeper in my faith and love for
the Father. Because of the impact it has had on my life, this year, I decided to research
what Ouachita students have to say about the discipleship ministries on campus.
Using the Christian Life Survey administered by the Center of Scriptural Engagement
at Taylor University, I analyzed Ouachita students’ responses concerning their spiritual
development and their involvement in a small group. I found that indeed, students
tend to respond more positively that Ouachita has made them a better person spiritually
when those students are involved in a small group.
In addition to spiritual growth opportunities, Ouachita encourages acts of service
throughout the community. The Elrod Center is devoted to helping connect students
with needs in the community. One need in particular is tutoring for local elementary
students through the America Reads and America Counts programs. This program partners
a university student with an elementary student who is at risk of falling behind in
their studies. The university student volunteers their time twice a week to help tutor
a child in either reading or math. Through this tutoring relationship, a mentorship
naturally tends to develop.
Last year I researched the effectiveness of this program in the community. I found
that indeed the program makes a difference in elementary student’s grades. By examining
pre-test and post-test scores, elementary students consistently scored higher on their
tests after receiving a year of tutoring. Both years of research, I found my results
to be very encouraging that Ouachita continues to make an impact on its students and
its community.
Another way Ouachita makes a difference in its students is through Scholars Day. Scholars
Day is when many students from a variety of disciplines present their research throughout
campus and encourage one another in their study and research. Scholars Day exemplifies
that Ouachita is not only concerned with the spiritual and service components of its
students, but it also nourishes academic development. For me, Scholars Day was able
to combine these three aspects to show that Ouachita is fulfilling its vision to “foster
a love of God and a love of learning by creating for students and other constituents
dynamic growth opportunities both on campus and throughout the world.”
By Mikala Butler, a senior Christian studies and sociology double major from Paragould, Ark.
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