It’s that time of year again. Seniors are thinking about their upcoming graduation, and the underclassmen are wondering if they will ever become seniors! That’s where I’d like to start this column, and as a disclaimer, claiming to be wise about anything scares me to death. Like you, I am learning as I go. So, I will share from the heart.
I serve a couple of roles at Biola.

My “real” job is alumni director and I coordinate the alumni programs, events, and services that you can expect as you leave Biola. So, I would guess you are thinking, why does that even matter to me as a student? Well, you are already an alumnus of Biola University if, you have completed 12 units of study. Sweet…alumni benefits! You are joining the more than 55,000 alumni of Biola and qualify for all of the association benefits they do. You are also joining the heritage of graduates, and if you haven’t visited the Heritage Room of the Library, you need to do it before you graduate! If you are graduating, use your alumni association to benefit your career, family, spiritual walk and more by staying connected to Biola and its resources. This is an amazing place; with a ton of services…use them!

And, don’t forget to give back. Someone has helped with the cost of your education. Yes, that means you paid less than what it actually cost to educate you, and now it’s your turn to help someone else. Enough said about that!

My other job is teacher, and anyone who knows me, knows my passion for students to leave Biola with an understanding of what the Bible says about debt (college or otherwise), credit cards, work plans, investments, stewardship, and who really owns what you have (just a hint, it’s not you!) We are called to be wise stewards in our Lord’s service, and will be held accountable for what we do! And now … I’m starting to preach!

So, rather than do that, here are seven quick considerations!

If you are around Biola for a couple more years, 1) consider taking the Faith and Money class or 2) talk to someone who has. It will help you know how to handle the resources God has entrusted to you. If you are leaving Biola, 3) check out a program called Crown Ministries. This group provides workshops and training through the local church that can change how you live your life. You can also 4) pick-up a good book on biblical stewardship. For class we use Don Coley’s “A Steward’s Journey” and Wes Willmer’s “God and Your Stuff.” Also, 5) consider carefully why you are choosing your career. Will your career best use the talents and skills that God has given you, or are you simply choosing a career for the financial benefit? (Not saying that’s a bad thing…but be aware of your choices!) If you are unsure about what’s right, 6) examine the desire that God is placing on your heart, consider scripture related to your decision, seek godly counsel, and don’t question in the dark what you saw clearly in the light! You will have dark times in your life. We want to be advisors for life! So, 7) call a faculty member, staff person, or friend who can be a wise Christian counselor. We want to continue to be that resource for you after graduation.

Congratulations on becoming alumni for life! And, may our God prepare you to accomplish much in His name in the months and years to come!