As the 2026-2027 academic year begins, the sophomore class is settling back onto campus with a full year of college under their belts. Looking back, year one serves as a foundational period filled with new beginnings, unexpected challenges, and personal growth. For Allison Edwards, a pastoral ministry major from Ponca City, Oklahoma, her freshman experience at Southern Nazarene University laid a firm groundwork for the path ahead.
Entering a brand-new environment brings natural feelings of anxiety, but Edwards quickly realized she had little to fear. “I thought SNU was going to be a hard environment to get used to because college is scary,” she recalled. “But when I got here and started the process of changing my major, everyone was so supportive. They helped me in every way they could and prayed for me – I found the best of friends here to make me feel welcome.”
For Edwards, those friendships became the defining highlight of her first year, shaping her personal growth and journey. “I would not have learned as much about myself this year without them,” she conveyed. “They have been great spiritual guides in my life that encourage me to get out of my comfort zone, and that is very important in college.”
Academically, Edwards highlighted the benefits of being at a smaller university and how that helps her in the classroom. “The professors here will always take time to discuss things with you when you are having a hard time understanding things,” she said. “Even in my biggest class that is filled with 40 people, the professor knows all of us by name – the professors here truly care about their students.”
SNU offers many activities, organizations, and events for students to get involved – Edwards did not hold back on those opportunities. “At first I just played a lot of sand volleyball,” she laughed. “But then I really dug into what SNU was all about – I got involved in leadership and started to take time to focus on my relationships with others outside of class.” Edwards then discussed the importance of getting involved on campus. “You will be okay if you go to bed late, so go out and have fun with those around you,” she stated.
Serving as the freshman class president in student senate proved to be a pivotal learning experience. “It was a little bit overwhelming at first because it was a lot for one person to do, but then I realized that I could rely on my friends who are also in Senate to help me,” she explained. “It helped me learn how to talk in front of crowds, figure out how to problem solve with money and other resources, use my brain in different ways, and how to talk to people in a leading way while also being kind.” For Edwards, leadership is rooted in humility and understanding. “Leadership is not about barking orders,” she said. “It is about listening, stepping back, and taking the time to understand what is happening in different situations and in the lives of others.”
Stepping into her sophomore year, Edwards carries a renewed sense of purpose. The friendships built, leadership roles embraced, and challenges overcome during her first year have set a clear trajectory for her time at SNU, a journey rooted in faith, community, and continuous growth.
Photo by: MaK Wilkerson