“Hi! Thank you for calling Azusa Pacific University. This is the operator speaking. How may I direct your call?”
Whenever someone calls APU, they will most likely hear Monica Rea’s warm voice. As the Communications and Operations Coordinator, Rea embraces her love for Christ and others by bringing her spirit of joy to the people she engages with.
Originally from Glendora, Calif., Rea was set on becoming a court reporter. She loved working with her hands and pursued her dream career after high school. Toward the end of her time in school in Los Angeles, Rea was in a car accident that changed her life, causing permanent nerve damage in her neck. While she still reached her goal of becoming a court reporter, Rea was sad to have to leave and work part time somewhere else instead due to health struggles.
Doors continued to close for Rea, and she was unsure where her career would take her. Every “no” was God’s way of leading her where she’d discover her passions. Rea found a position as a proctor at a school and learned how much she enjoys working with students. Then, in 2018, she got a call from Rachel White, associate vice president of strategic communication and engagement at APU. Rea’s and White’s sons had gone to elementary school together. White remembered Rea having mentioned a previous job as a switchboard operator at City of Hope, and shared that the university operator position was available. “God put my interests together by leading me to a job where I can work with my hands, because I do a lot of computer work, and I get to be in a community that uplifts Him by setting students up for success,” she said.
Rea is oftentimes the first person people connect with when contacting APU, greeting others with excitement to welcome them to the university. “I love talking to people, providing them with the information they’re seeking about APU, as well as collaborating with a wonderful team of colleagues who make APU a special place.”
Rea gets to fulfill her love for mentoring students by working with interns who are eager to contribute to the team. “We all have great rapport and learn from each other to perform to the best of our abilities,” she said.
APU has been instrumental in Rea’s life by providing her with a workplace that puts God First and values family. “This is the best job I’ve ever had, with the best bosses and environment,” she said. Rea recalled how when her husband passed away, her colleagues surrounded her in prayer and encouragement through such a hard season. “It’s a blessing to find people who care so much about your wellbeing and see you as more than just a worker.”
Rea never imagined that she would be able to send her kids to APU as well. She is grateful that her son graduated with a degree in design studies, and her daughter will graduate this year with a degree in liberal studies.
Rea is excited to continue putting God First, answering every call with kindness and an invitation to join a community of difference makers.