Entering Biola last semester, I was more than ecstatic to be in community with other Christians. In my experience attending my local magnet school, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, it was rare to meet other Christians, let alone students who respected Christians. After four years of trials of faith in high school, I was expecting relief and open arms into a community filled with other Christians. My previous community was through my home church, creating unlikely friendships that blossomed due to our shared love for God. Since Biola is a Christian institution, I believed that this connection would also be evident. But while I did find relief and freedom in talking about my faith in every course I took, I did not find the community I expected.
CULTURAL WRESTLE ON A PERSONAL LEVEL
While Biola itself hosts many engaging cultural events where all students can come and celebrate as a community, on a personal level, it’s a different story. Granted, I did make friends with classmates and created relationships throughout my first semester at Biola. However, most of the friendships I made were out of the convenience of the other person.
I remember a time in my Foundations of Christian Ministry class where I felt disconnected and isolated from others. During class, I was able to talk to the other girls and be friends with them — but outside of class, I never was invited to be part of their friend group. Outside of Common Grounds I noticed them studying together, while I studied inside alone. This confused me, because we got along just fine in class. I didn’t understand why there seemed to be a barrier between us outside of class. I felt a cultural divide between theirs and my own Filipina background.
In my culture, we foster relationships by going out of our way to get to know the other person and be a foundation for them regardless of the convenience. It’s easy to build friendships because you share the same class or live in the same hall. But I grew up in a culture where we would love people in an above-and-beyond way, where we don’t only just ask how their day was, but welcome them to our dorms for intentional conversations. We would meet them where they were. But I didn’t see that when I came to Biola. Although I attempted to reach out, the other party did not reciprocate in the way I expected or wanted. I thrived academically, but under the surface, I longed for community.
Biola’s mission is to “equip men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.” How can students be expected to impact the world if we can barely make a mark on each other? How can we do so if we still experience a barrier on a personal level?
When expectations differ from reality, we should not be discouraged, but take the first step to break the barrier between the two.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP
Biola needs to embrace even more the diversity of our community and join hands at the individual level. As students, we can not simply just sit back and watch another culture from afar or only engage when it seems convenient. To be image bearers of God is to love everyone by actively putting effort to bridging gaps.
While completing assignments near Common Grounds, I saw one of my classmates from my Foundations of Christian Ministry class last semester walk by. At first, I was discouraged when I saw her. I didn’t think I could ever be her friend. But then I remembered the unlikely friendships I made at my church and how I brought together my small youth group. If I could do it at my church, what’s stopping me from doing it at Biola? I built up the courage to greet her as she approached and we were able to have a conversation and catch up. I learned through this interaction that bridging the gap is a collaborative effort from both sides — but sometimes, you need to be the one to take the first step.
We can not rely on administration alone; creating a well-rounded university is a collaborative effort involving students as well. Attend the events hosted by the university that highlight diversity and talent; celebrate your fellow students. Biola hosts cultural events such as Afro Roots, Fiesta Latina and Asian Night Market, as well as clubs like Black Student Association (BSA), Hawaii Club, Barkada Club and more — it is our responsibility to show up. Be genuine, present and curious to understand those who are different from you.
I found my circle beginning to grow through differences of culture because I saw myself and others taking that first step. The Asian Night Market, a cultural event hosted by Biola, connected me with students who desired to learn more about Asian culture and wanted to eat food outside of the Caf. My friend, Zoe Yee, who I met in fall semester, invited me to join her and her friends at this event. I was nervous of not looking like them or feeling welcome, but the moment I met them I felt I had belonged. They continually asked questions about myself, included me in their conversations, danced, laughed and joked regardless of who was around, just like how it is with my family. This night was the first night I felt a sense of home at Biola. Although there are only two Asian people in our friend group — Zoe and I — our friends made an effort to learn more by attending the Asian Night Market. While our cultures remain different, we continue to embrace our own individual cultures while actively supporting each other.
Diversity can blossom if we are willing to tend to it. Take the first step to bridge the gap and break the barrier on a personal level. Let us create a culture that is loving, inviting and ultimately, a glimpse of heaven.
