Michaila Patterson ’24 entered Vanguard University during a challenging time in her personal life, navigating family issues as well as determining financial pathways toward earning a college degree. While she applied to several colleges, Vanguard was the only one that encouraged her to take the next steps toward admission. She was confused at the time, but today she reflects on the experience with gratefulness: God was opening the door to Vanguard for more reasons than just academics.
For Patterson, 2020 was a challenging year. As a first-year college student and as one of the few on-campus students that year, she struggled with the isolation and loneliness that came with being in a new place without the support of her friends and family. Her professors stepped in to fill that gap.
Patterson explained how each of her professors took time to check on her and help her build community during a difficult season. Dr. Hien Park, professor of sociology, saw her need for connection and urged her to pursue relationships with others. “Michaila has thrived as a person when she’s connected to others around her,” Park said.
According to Patterson, this encouragement was exactly what she needed to find her place at Vanguard and begin to thrive as a student. “She pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone, and she helped me build connections with people, with a church,” she said. Four years later, Patterson still holds several of those relationships that she established in 2020.
But even once most students returned to campus, Patterson continued to be mentored by several professors and pastors at Vanguard. “They were a big support system to me, making sure that I was okay and encouraging me on my [spiritual] walk,” she explained. When it came to her classwork, Dr. Park continued to challenge Patterson to build relationships and seek guidance. “She helped me a lot by pushing me academically and making sure that I had the resources to succeed for all my classes,” Patterson said.
To Patterson, the relationships she has built with her professors have strengthened her academic pursuits. “I had a personal connection with this professor, and so it made the class a lot more interesting and a lot more engaging for me,” she said. As she prepares for a career in counseling and mentorship, she gleans just as much from her one-on-one guidance as she does her classroom experience. “There’s a lot of situations that are not going to be a one-answer-fits-all kind of thing,” Patterson explained. “Being able to ask for help when it comes to these things will be really important.”
She was confused at the time, but today she reflects on the experience with gratefulness: God was opening the door to Vanguard for more reasons than just academics.
When reflecting on her mentorship with Patterson over the years, Dr. Park noted her strength in approaching her career with empathy and understanding. “I see how Michaila has acquired a skill to see the world through both sociological and Christian lens,” she said. “She has used that to make sense of her life, including some difficult times. Understanding different perspectives of people would perhaps be the best quality she can bring to her professional life.”
Patterson is preparing to graduate in 2024. With the support of her mentors at VU, she is equipped not only to thrive professionally but also to be a light for Christ as she empowers others and walks alongside them, whatever season they are in.
Supporting Vanguard University helps students like Michaila receive a transformational Christ-centered education. Visit give.vanguard.edu/give-now to make a difference!