Author: Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the University of Mobile, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university's Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

Internship Prepares College Student for the Future

by Maya Lewellyn

One of my favorite classes offered at the University of Mobile is the internship course; it allows students to put into practice what they learn at UM and gain real life experience for their chosen career field.

This semester I interned at Dwell Mobile, a nonprofit organization, which allowed me to observe how a nonprofit runs and improve my cross cultural communication. Being a Christian Studies major, I wanted something that would allow me to work with a nonprofit and give me the ability to interact with other cultures.

Heeding the guidance of Dr. Douglas Wilson, dean of the School of Christian Studies and my advisor, I looked into obtaining an internship at Dwell Mobile. Dwell Mobile is a nonprofit organization that serves refugees in the Mobile area by raising awareness, removing obstacles and restoring relationships.

Dr. Wilson said he thought interning with Dwell would be mutually beneficial. With his email of recommendation, several weeks of waiting and a couple of phone calls later, I secured my dream internship, working at a nonprofit.

Executive Director Jeri Stroade offered so much wisdom. It was an honor to be under her leadership and learn hands-on what working at a nonprofit organization is like.

My favorite lesson from her was when she explained what Dwell is; their goal was not to be a program-centered organization, but a value-driven organization. Jeri stressed we were not intended to be saviors to other people, but to demonstrate the Savior to others.

On Wednesdays, Dwell offers Foundations, classes with the goal to teach foundational skills to aid refugees to better acclimate to Mobile, Alabama. A normal Wednesday night would look like socializing with people over free dinner and then attending a free class. The classes included everything from driver’s education to English as a Second Language.

I oversaw volunteers and tutored girls who were in the fourth grade or older, and Wednesday nights quickly became my favorite part of the week. I looked forward to building relationships with the girls. As a class, we were learning TikTok dances for Dwell’s Cultural Night.  I am not gifted in dancing, but it made them laugh.

Interning at Dwell has been a highlight of my last semester at UM; I have gained invaluable experience that has prepared me to better serve the Lord and work at a nonprofit.

Through showing up consistently, I learned how important it is that we are there for others even in the difficulties, because it reflects how the Lord is there for us. Interning prepared me for the workforce; it reminded me that I am working to serve the Lord no matter my tasks.

College Mission Trips Lead to Lifetime of Ministry

by Maya Lewellyn

Imagine a life with no running water, no electricity, no Chick-fil-A and no favorite soda in 120-degree weather. A life without the things we deem a necessity might be hard to envision, but that is the life Sara Lansford chose after graduating in 2007 from the University of Mobile with a theology degree. She moved to Timbuktu.

Lansford is one example of how the University of Mobile equips students to change the world for the better, in whatever career field they find themselves in. At UM, Lansford enjoyed hosting “Family Game Night” in Ingram Hall and going on mission trips to Macedonia and Niger.

“When I got to UM, I was still exploring my call to ministry. I wasn’t exactly sure what it looked like, but international mission trips to Macedonia and Niger played a huge role in helping me figure it out,” says Lansford. Niger was a turning point in her life.

“It was the first time this Alabama girl realized that there literally are people who still haven’t heard the name of Jesus,” says Lansford, a 2003 graduate of Athens High School in Athens, Alabama.

After graduating from UM, Lansford had the opportunity to go back to West Africa as a journeyman with the International Mission Board. She and her teammates joined the Oral Peoples Strategy team, which ultimately resulted in a story set being produced in the Songhai language.

“Even if the Songhai people had complete access to the written Word in their language, it wouldn’t benefit the vast majority of their population, because they are an oral culture,” says Lansford.

In Mali, she found joy in serving and loving the Songhai people.

“We worked to produce a set of oral Bible stories in the local language. The stories were played on the radio, distributed on cassette tapes and micro SD cards, and were used among other missionaries working with the Songhai in other parts of West Africa,” she says.

Once Lansford’s time in the mission field was over, she served as a children’s minister for about 10 years before joining LifeWay’s team as a production editor at LifeWay Christian Resources, on their kids publishing team.

In February, Lansford Skyped in to be a guest speaker for two University of Mobile School of Christian Studies classes: Principles of Bible Translation and Intercultural Foundations.

“I enjoyed getting to share my experience doing oral translation work because, when most people think ‘Bible translation,’ they are probably thinking of the written Word, but there are so many unreached people groups from oral cultures. I also enjoyed getting to share about living in Sub-Saharan Africa with Dr. (Douglas) Wilson’s Foundations class. I’m so grateful for my experience as a journeyman and would relive it in a heartbeat,” says Lansford.

According to Lansford, after her time as a guest speaker, she realized the potential impact the students could have for the kingdom while their time at the University of Mobile prepared them for their future careers.

When Lansford graduated, she was challenged to “Go Change the World.”

“I like to think that the University of Mobile prepared me and challenged me to be intentional in finding ways to help change the world, one little corner at the time,” says Lansford.

Featured Image: Sara Lansford, center, tells “The Demon-Possessed Man” story from Mark 5:1-18 to women waiting in line at a medical clinic in West Africa.

4 Lessons From 4 Years of College

by Maya Lewellyn

It has been such a joy to attend the University of Mobile since my freshman year of college. UM strives to prepare students for their calling by creating an environment that reflects the love of Christ.

Although four years of college flies by, those four years are a transformative time for students. Since I stepped foot on campus in 2016, I have learned more about Christ and grown as a person. Here are four important lessons that I learned during these four years:

1. Biblical Foundation

Christian Worldview and the Mission and Message of Jesus are two required classes at the University of Mobile that provide students a biblical foundation for understanding the Christian faith. Although I had been walking with the Lord for several years before taking either class, Christian Worldview taught me information that I had not learned before. Additionally, I took Intercultural Perspectives as a freshman. That class was foundational to me, and I learned that God’s redemptive plan started in Genesis. This new knowledge led to a deeper love for the Lord.

2. Confidence in the Lord

Over the past four years, various challenges in life have led me to become more confident in the truth of the Bible and the characteristics of the Lord. I have learned my ultimate sense of belonging is not found in things of this world, but in Him. Since I am His child, I can freely rest, enjoying His presence.

3. Thankfulness vs. Idolatry

Throughout my time at UM, my relationship with the Lord has impacted the way I interact with others. I have learned how to better include other people in conversation and in my life. Additionally, I have learned the difference between thankfulness and idolatry. I can thank the Lord for them without putting them on a pedestal. My mentors and friends are a blessing from the Lord; they shouldn’t become a lord in my life. When I expect too much from my friends, I have put a burden on them that they were never meant to have. They beautifully reflect the Lord and remind me of His glory; however, my hope and security should not be found in my relationships with them, because my needs and hope are met by the Lord alone.

4. Boldness

Lastly, I have a boldness that I lacked before college. I am confident in what I know and am no longer intimidated by people who are smarter than me. When I entered college, it was hard for me to open up; now, I am not afraid to share and be vulnerable in front of others. In college, I also started to not shy away from healthy communication, even if it included hard conversations. My comfort zone has grown, so I am comfortable with discomfort because challenges can help produce growth.

The last four years of my life have been an incredible journey. Because of the University of Mobile, I have enjoyed late night adventures and playing mafia with friends, tea dates, dancing and laughter.  I am so thankful for the wonderful memories I have made and the life lessons I have learned along the way.

4 Reasons I Love UM

by Maya Lewellyn

In my 22 years of life, the best decision I made was when I signed up for a Preview Day at the University of Mobile.

When my family and I drove on campus, I was stunned by how beautiful it looked and how genuinely excited UM was to have guests. After speaking to some of the professors, I confidently knew UM could prepare me for my future career and, once Preview Day was over, I could envision finding community at UM.

For almost four years, UM has been my home. It has encouraged and challenged me to love the Lord and learn as much as I could during college. The longer I have been at UM, the more my love for the university grows.

Here are just four of the many reasons why I love the University of Mobile.

1. Campus

Before I knew people at UM, I fell in love with their beautiful campus. The old oaks welcome all who venture onto campus, and the swing by Martin Hall is picturesque. The globe is not only a centerpiece on campus, but it also serves as a reminder to go and transform the world. The campus is also walker friendly, meaning your professors and friends are just a few steps away. Some of my favorite memories are spending time with friends while walking around the campus.

2. Culture

 Although my home state of Florida is geographically south of Alabama, I was not accustomed to southern culture at UM. Southern hospitality is no joke; everyone from faculty to students are welcoming and want to know you. UM also cares about forming relationships. It didn’t take long for me to know those at UM and to learn to give yourself at least an extra five minutes when you’re walking somewhere, because you’re bound to see someone you know and possibly start up an unplanned conversation. I also enjoy the pace of UM. UM is not typically rushed (unless you’re late to class), but has a sense of stillness. Although I was not used to how people in the South behaved, the warmth of those at school and the stillness of UM helped me to flourish.

3. Omelet Station

 Every Tuesday and Thursday for breakfast, the cafeteria has an omelet station. Students can choose from a variety of options for how they want their omelets to be customized. If you consistently order the same omelet, then the staff will memorize your order. As someone who struggles to wake, I look forward to knowing I will soon eat my spinach and onion omelet. There is nowhere else in my life that I can look forward to getting an omelet consistently made for me. It was my favorite way to start your off a Tuesday or Thursday.

4. Office Hours

One benefit of going to a small school is that students can meet with their professors directly. Office hours are a wonderful resource to help students academically and personally. It has been a privilege to know my professors better, and I have cherished every minute of one-on-one time with them. Over the years, they are some of the first people I turn to for wise counsel. After my omelet on Thursdays, I would visit one of my professors during his office hours; we would have tea and discuss everything from academics to personality types.

Looking back, I see God’s providence and good plan that led to me to UM’s Preview Day. At Preview Day, I applied to UM; several weeks later, I was accepted to UM; and for four years, I have learned more about God and have been prepared for my future.

 

Love from a Distance

by Maya Lewellyn

According to Google Maps, I live 120 miles away from the University of Mobile or a little over a two-hour drive when there is no traffic on the road.

Although I am still over two hours away from UM, I do not feel that far away from the loving environment UM creates for their students.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all on campus classes are being delivered in an online format. Even though the online learning experience looks different than being in a classroom, UM’s faculty and staff have continued to make their students feel known.

The UM faculty and staff are demonstrating that you don’t have to be within walking distance to love someone well.

Over my extended spring break, Madame Brousseau, associate professor of French, asked who I am staying with and how is my family doing. Before classes started back, we had a Zoom test run, and I mentioned I wanted to learn how to bake bread. When I told her my goal, I never imagined how supportive she would be by helping me achieve my goal. Since then, she has sent me videos on how to bake bread and updated me on how her baking is going. Even though I am at home, Madame Brousseau continues to go above and beyond to love on and serve her students.

Student Life also has not disappeared from my life while I am at home. In addition to working tirelessly to prepare for next year, they also have been loving UM’s students from a distance. My University Ministries team leaders asked for our addresses. I am excited that I’ll be getting a note of encouragement from them soon.

I am an intern in the Marketing & PR department at UM. Amber Kelley, my intern supervisor, has also been supportive and encouraging as I have been away from UM. Over a Zoom conference, before she gave an update on how to continue with my internship, she wanted to know how my life has been since spring break.  She also asked for prayer requests and prayed for me before hanging up. Over the call, she reiterated how she is still available when I need help.  I confidently know if I have any questions or need any help, she’s one of the first people I can turn to.

I am truly blessed that God has purposefully placed UM’s faculty and staff in my life during this time. I have no doubt while I am home, I will continue to be in touch with UM’s faculty. They have reminded me I am loved and prayed for. No matter how far I am, I know UM’s faculty will continue to love me from 120 miles away.

Featured Image:
(L to R) Top: Raygan Salors, AnnaKate Burleson, Tabitha Robinson
L to R) Bottom: Elisabeth Twilley, Maya Lewellyn and Laiken Gendregske

Take a Break and Rest!

by Maya Lewellyn

College can be a busy season for students, between academics, different events to attend, spending time with friends, and possibly having a job.  Thankfully, the University of Mobile does not have any classes on Fridays; they call these days “Focus Fridays.” That gives students more free time, so students can take a break.

When I first became a student at UM, I didn’t understand the importance of rest and how to rest. I made too many plans and constantly overextended myself.

Through traveling to Italy with UM, I saw what rest looks like in a healthy way. Italy prioritized rest. Culturally, resting wasn’t lazy; it was important and necessary. A human body isn’t made to be constantly going, and taking a break can increase someone’s productivity.

Here are three things I do to make sure I rest.

  1. I remember the importance of rest. God demonstrated rest (Gen. 2:7), and then He later commanded us to also rest (Ex. 20:8-11). When people do not rest, they become slaves to work. Resting is a gift that strips us of our pride and allows us to humble ourselves before God. It is a reminder that only God is sufficient, and humans are not.
  2. Prioritize rest. I make sure I schedule in a time to rest and then protect that time. That means I say, “No,” when I get asked to do something after I already planned to rest.
  3. Make sure rest is something fun. Resting doesn’t always mean doing something mind-numbing. It can be doing something you don’t get the chance to normally do. For me, it’s setting up my hammock on campus and drawing.

Rest is a refreshing time to enjoy the Lord and reflect upon His goodness.  It doesn’t have to be complicated; so, enjoy a Focus Friday to the fullest and go take a break!

Voices of Mobile Reunion Brings Alumni Back to University of Mobile

by Maya Lewellyn

 MOBILE, Ala. –Parked outside of Martin Hall, it looked like merely a tour bus for Voices of Mobile, but the inside of the bus told a different story. Step inside, and the tour bus spanned years, showcasing funny photos and phrases coined on the road.

The “pop-up museum” paid homage to Voices of Mobile alumni who returned to the University of Mobile for the Voices of Mobile Reunion Jan. 10 – 11. Former members came from seven states to attend the reunion at their alma mater.

The weekend included a tour led by UM President Lonnie Burnett to see new renovations, opportunities for reminiscing with friends and director Dr. Roger Breland, and time spent worshiping together.

For many alumni, this was their first-time coming home to UM since their graduation. Two members of the first Voices ensemble, Jordan Tyler Squires and Ashley Gully See, also attended.

See said, “Seventeen years ago, the original Voices of Mobile looked nothing like it does now, but even then, it was something special. To be able to come back and celebrate all that God has done in that time was a joy!”

Voices of Mobile is more than an ensemble to its members; the shared experiences of praising the Lord can bind people together as a family, according to See.

See watched alumni who had never met before worship together because they had a song in common.

“To be able to worship as a family and share the experience with my daughter was the highlight of the weekend,” she said.

“Roll the Track” was a special time of worship during the reunion. A track of a Voice’s song would play, and if any alumni from the group’s 17 years knew the song, they would go on stage to sing the song together.

Voices was established in 2003 and has toured around the world, including: China, Philippines, Cuba, Israel, France and the White House.

For more information on Voices of Mobile, visit umobile.edu/voices or call 251.442.2222.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

The People Make UM ‘Home’

by Maya Lewellyn

Many new college students feel nervous about moving away from home for the first time. But it didn’t take long for the University of Mobile to feel like home to me. That feeling had everything to do with the people at UM. They genuinely wanted to get to know me.

Once students get on the University of Mobile’s campus, they are immediately welcomed by the university’s faculty, staff and students. Here, there is an emphasis on “Know and be Known.” This phrase highlights that, at UM, you will grow in your knowledge of your major, but you will also be known by the faculty, staff and student body.

The faculty and staff do an incredible job of interacting with students and making them feel known and valued. At UM, faculty and staff know your name, professors eat lunch with students in the cafeteria, and students are being mentored by faculty and staff.

One person who has made UM home to me is Brenda Hinson, coordinator of international student recruitment. She goes above and beyond what she is required to do. In addition to recruiting and taking care of the international students, she loves the students like they are her own. It’s normal for students to hang out in her office.

I love stopping by her office to get some candy and to get a hug. I have laughed and cried in her office. She demonstrates what it means to love like Christ.

I am so thankful for her and many others who help UM become more than a university; they make UM home.

University of Mobile Announces Symphonic Winds Concert on March 19

by Maya Lewellyn

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile announces the Symphonic Winds Concert on March 19 at 7 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 717 Cleveland Rd. Saraland, AL 36571.

Admission is free. The concert will feature blissful music, including the last installment in an “American Legends” concert band series composed by Steve Dunn, associate professor of instrumental music in the Alabama School of the Arts.

The Symphonic Winds Concert is part of the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts Series that includes concerts, theatrical events and inspirational events presented by students and faculty. Future productions will include the musical “Little Women” and “Spring Spectacular.”

For more information about the concert or for future events visit umobile.edu/pas or call 251.442.2383.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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