(This article is a second in a series of interviews with students talking about how being at SPU has impacted their faith.)
Little did Esther Smith know that stepping foot onto the SPU campus would lead to a turning point in her spiritual journey. She also would never have imagined that signing up for a student club as a freshman would lead to her current position as president of SPU’s student government.
Like many freshmen, she arrived on campus feeling uncertain and lonely as this new chapter of her life began. Despite these feelings, she wanted to seek God and was eager to find a community of Christians, so she did the one thing that is universally recommended and sometimes missed by new students, “Get involved.”
She joined the campus Black Student Union and began planning events. She made friends with another SPU student who invited her to a local church in Seattle. Smith says this one act of getting involved became a major turning point for her relationally and spiritually.
Now as a junior, in addition to her work as president of ASSP, Smith leads a weekly Bible talk on campus through her church that is open to students from all backgrounds. The Bible talks aim to build connections among students and to have open and honest conversations about God. All these endeavors have brought her growth in ways she never would have imagined.
“From my college classes and personal Bible study, I discovered that there was more to church than just Sunday service,” says Smith. “I knew I wanted to be a part of a fellowship that was big on sharing Scriptures and big on genuine fellowship. In my upbringing, I had church ‘friends’ and my actual friends. I was living a double life. I realized after some time at SPU and my church that I wanted to be myself wherever I went and I wanted my church friends to be genuine friends.”
As Smith grew in her relationships, her understanding of God also deepened. “I once viewed God as untouchable before I got to SPU. But through the help of mentors and peers, now I see him as a ‘dad’ and life partner, and his Word as a comfort,” Smith says. “It’s because of God’s love I am able to forgive people who have wronged me and acknowledge where I need to grow. I never used to read my Bible, but now I read it every day without fail. I examine scripture deeply and consider what I am hearing in sermons at church.”
In addition to the friends and community she found at SPU, Smith is thankful for faculty and staff who have helped her along her spiritual journey.
“Dr. (Darrell) Allen from the History department showed me how to persevere in my faith,” she said. “I am also thankful for Chuck Strawn (associate vice president for Student Life) and Jeff Jordan (vice president for Student Life) for sharing their wisdom and helping me tie my personal life back to God.”
Over her years at SPU, Smith has both grown in her faith and gained confidence as a leader. She decided to join Student Senate in her freshman year, and after serving on senate, the student government president asked if she would be interested in running for vice president. Smith ran and was elected. The following year, after a month of campaigning, passing out flyers, and speaking at events, she was elected as the new student body president.
As president, one of her major goals is to encourage students on campus. Smith advises: “If you’re a business student, get involved with the Social Venture Plan Competition. If you’re in the theatre, do shows with all your heart. If you are a student who is new on campus, find a club to join. Give (your) utmost to college, to SPU.”
This new role as president has helped Smith grow in her leadership skills, as she works with a group of student leaders who oversee various areas on campus. Her responsibilities include helping student clubs get funding for events, working on international student housing support, connecting students to people who can help them, and working with student senators to voice and advocate for various needs and concerns. She is thankful for recent bright spots that include passing a bill that helps student clubs access funds more easily. In Student Ministries, there has been a high attendance rate at Group and Chapel since last quarter.
“God is teaching me how to serve people better,” Smith says. “I did student government in high school, but serving here at SPU taught me how much time, work, and character has to go into this. I am learning how to sacrifice and how to be hopeful.”
Smith looks back at her journey and sees how God continues to teach and guide her. “God is showing me how to work hard and find joy while doing it. One of the obstacles to overcome was just my own pride when it came to committing to building my faith. I had to learn to put Luke 12:31 into practice and really seek after God,” she said.
As she reflects on her three-year spiritual and personal journey, Smith has advice for freshmen and new Christian students.
“Read your Bible every day, pray every day, and find people to do it with you,” she shares. “Try to seek God and not get caught up with the distractions in college, because even studies and stress can become a distraction from prioritizing God and putting him first.”
Esther Smith is currently a junior studying politics, philosophy, and economics. She also serves as the president of the SPU student government, Associated Students of Seattle Pacific (ASSP).
