#jakeb

Elsa tapped the steering wheel of her car nervously as she waited at a red light on the way to the restaurant. Why she had let one of her teammates get her into this situation, she couldn’t for the life of her fathom. It was just a date on a dare, no big deal she told herself. Though her teammates certainly hadn’t been shy about trying to get her to actually commit to someone for a period longer than a few weeks, preferably showing her face to another person during daylight hours in addition to night time ones. It was that kind of meddling that made her wish she played an individual sport for a living. Sighing, she found street parking near the restaurant after a few minutes of searching, paid the meter and approached the dinner spot, a casual gastro pub and microbrewery with 50 local beers on tap. If all else fails, she thought, I can just get hammered. Nervously, Elsa glanced around the restaurant. No sign of her date yet, and she was five minutes late due to parking. He’s cute! You’ll love him, I promise! echoed through her head, taunting her over and over again. Yeah, he’s also almost 10 minutes late... screw it. Elsa took a seat at the bar, ordering some British Columbian IPA she’d never heard of. If she was getting stood up, you better believe she’d be coping by taking advantage of the said 50 beers on tap. It was then that she felt a tap on her shoulder. Swallowing awkwardly, she turned around. “Um, hi, I’m Elsa.”

“Seems like a cool guy. Probably’d smash if he was interested! I’m always down for an adventure!”

who spends hours putting up lights only to get tangled in them and storm off? Jake

who accidentally eats a whole box of christmas chocolates in one sitting? Both

who insists on watching the cheesy hallmark christmas movies? Aurora

who insists on playing nothing but michael buble in the few days running up to christmas? Aurora

who gets their presents wrapped at the mall so the other cant go snooping? Neither

who insists on making snow angels? Aurora

who put christmas outfits on all the pets? Both

do they go to family’s or have a quiet day in? Quiet day in

who insists on wearing matching ugly christmas jumpers? Aurora

who waits up until midnight to give the other their present? Jake

who insists on hand-made presents only one year? Jake

who puts mistletoe on every door frame? Jake, and it’s fresh too

who gets too drunk at the work christmas party and has to be picked up at 9:15pm? Aurora

who gets angry and almost tells kids that santa isnt real? Neither

Smith Hall

If y'all ever get the opportunity to take a campus tour, your tour guide will hopefully tell you about the legendary.. "Smith Hall!". My freshman year was one of my most memorable, fun moments of my life. Mostly because of this place. 

Smith hall is an all guys dorm. Whether it was yelling "Smith Hall!" when people asked us where we lived, late night donut man runs, or midnight ping pong, being together with a community of young men was a growth experience. Day and night it seemed like my brothers where constantly pushing me to grow as a man. 

Late night conversations about our faith and worship sessions in the dorm rooms where undoubtably one of my spiritual highlights. Looking back at my freshman year, I couldn't have asked for a better living space. Oh, Where did I live you asked? SMITH HALLLLL! 

The Open Seat

Study, Study, Study! It's midterm time here at APU, where the stress is high and the coffee is strong. Shown above are two of my go-to spots to study on campus. Although laser focus and little distraction while studying best prepares you to slay a test; everyone needs a break.

According to the Atlantic, an individual who takes timed study breaks is 13 percent more likely to be successful. So now I'm guessing you're thinking, "That's cool, Jake! But what does this have to do with "the open seat"?! I’m glad you asked! If you look closer to each photo, there's an open seat! Disclaimer: this open seat strategy has never failed here at APU (for me at least). 

Whether it be people I know or people I've never met, someone always takes the open seat. New conversations, new ideas, and laughs have accumulated through this open seat system. APU creates an atmosphere of conversation and community, an spirited atmosphere that exists no matter the season. 

This is my study break. Leaving an open seat is something that I've embraced and fell in love with. So if you ever see an open seat around campus.. I DARE you to take it! 

Love y'all,

Campus Safety

Hey y'all! As I was pondering the millions of reasons of why I loved APU, I realized that these blue shirted people where a large part! As their slogan goes.. "see something, say something" so here I go! I see hard work, kindness, and courage. 

Some of these student workers are up all night patrolling our campus. Rides and transportation are available on campus 24/7! Isn't that amazing? I constantly see these blue shirted workers in chapel, patrolling living areas, patrolling school events, and walking around campus throughout all times of the day. These student representatives have to undergo more than 30 hours of training while completing several tests just to be able to protect us.

Big shout out to these guys. I certainly feel safer on campus due to their hard work and dedication! Cheers to 1/1,000,000 reasons I love APU.

 Sincerely, 

Hello!

I'm a new blogger for APU! My name is Jake, I am a Sophomore Political Science Major! I'm involved on the debate team on campus along with the political awareness club. I also love to fish and camp! 

This picture above is one that I cherish! During orientation, there's an event called "Candela”. One of the reasons I personally decided to attend APU was the community! The ability to "do life together" and to share your walk with others on campus is something that I really love about APU. Sharing the light of the gospel with our friends, family, and community is an idea that I cherish and a concept that APU embraces. 

I look forward to sharing more moments with y'all! But as of now.. I have to run. 

Love y'all!