Springtime at Biola means spikeball on Metzger, dancing in parking garages and the Cook Memorial Missions Conference. For many seniors, however, only two of these may still reign true. Biola seniors are exempt from all chapel and conference requirements their last semester, giving them more time to focus on life post graduation. With five class-free days next week, seniors are tailoring their “breaks” however they see fit. Some students may go roadtripping, while others may voluntarily attend the conference this week. Biological Science major Knox Covington plans to lock in on homework, while Bible, Theology and Ministry major Emma Luke will be representing Costa Rica in the Parade of Nations.
“I really wanted to participate in Missions Conference before I’m on my way out. I used to be a missionary kid, so I have such a big heart for what God is doing abroad and right here in La Mirada,” Luke said.
Missions Conference is a distinct part of the Biola experience and continues to shape its attendees. This year’s conference theme seeks to empower students in their God given identities as “Children of Light–uniquely called and chosen to step into the Great Commission.” During Missions Conferences, Covington deepened friendships and considered what missional living looks like.
“Missions Conference is a unique time to engage more directly in community with people at Biola and wrestle with questions like, ‘has God called me to go away from this country on missions or into missions in my local area? What is it that God has called all of us to be?” Covington said.
These questions are especially applicable for seniors considering their next steps. Many seniors are planning their post-Biola lives while still in the “Biola Bubble,” a tension that can prove difficult. Some students are experiencing senioritis, a colloquial term for the burn out or fatigue people experience in the later portions of their degree. James Allison, a fifth year double major in French Horn Performance and Music Education, experienced senioritis during his fourth year and last fall. This spring, he’s experiencing a renewed perspective on life and Biola.
“Right now I’m not as overwhelmed and done with things, not as burnt out. I feel like I’m able to enjoy the positives of being here at Biola. Everything I’m doing here are things I love; I’m really happy I get to do them,” Alison said.
Similarly to Allison, Covington is experiencing more gratitude than senioritis.
“If there’s any sort of condition that’s come upon me as a senior, it’s actually been more of an increased drive to see the good things and experience them,” said Covington.
Despite academic stressors, seniors are still uniquely pouring into and engaging with campus. Conference Sessions Coordinator Selah Balli has “senioritis” towards her classwork, but not her conference duties.
“Being a senior and doing Missions Conference has been the most incredible pairing. God’s been teaching me so much through it and it feels like he’s prepping me for the next season after college. It’s a really cool culmination of everything that I’ve learned in Biola,” Balli said.
Whether or not seniors choose to participate in the Conference, it’s clear that senioritis isn’t keeping students from loving others and embracing what Biola has to offer.
“This [Missions Conference] feels like the last hurrah and a beautiful way to have a hand in the culture of Biola before we leave as seniors,” Balli said.
Seniors, may you continue to embrace what God has in store for you this semester, specifically during Missions Conference. Even if you don’t attend sessions, use the “break” to reflect on your time at Biola and the moments that will soon be memories. Enjoy Missions Conference Eagles! Whether you’ll be working ahead or front row of each session, may God bless your week and help you combat senioritis, one “last hurrah” at a time.
