By Jasmine Campos
Jordyn Fouts is a senior English and Honors Humanities major at Azusa Pacific University. After being called by a former student and learning all about the program, she knew she had to apply. She was drawn to the focus on the analysis of great works as opposed to just taking tests. Soon, she began her journey at the Honors College. As an English major, Jordyn has spent much of the last four years reading and writing. We thought it would be nice to ask her how she has handled all the work and whether or not it was worth it.
How does Honors work with your major? English and Honors are both about reading and analyzing primary texts. While English is an analysis of how the author does what they do, Honors is more focused on the ideas that authors are presenting, and it gives an in-depth understanding of how to read texts and understand an author's meaning. Both the in-depth analysis and how these ideas apply to the world are things that I am able to take between both majors. Where Honors is focused on philosophy, English is focused on text. By combining these tools, I can get the most out of the texts we read.
How has Honors improved your college experience? It has made me a more profound thinker and a much deeper person. The closest friends I have are because of the community that the Honors College fosters. I have even garnered a much deeper understanding of my faith. I think I would have become a much more cynical person without the Honors College. I have learned how to continually be intentional in my school work and in those I surround myself with. Finally, I would say that I have learned much about the importance of simply trying. Asking the tough questions and writing the hard papers teaches you about the importance of taking risks.
What does your major bring into your experience with Honors? My English major offers many critical tools for analyzing text. I have a better understanding of how to read more obscure texts compared to my peers. Knowing how to read language that is difficult to understand is something that I pride myself on. I am then able to lead other students through understanding complicated or confusing texts. Sometimes I can also provide context regarding the critical schools where authors come from. I think my perspective is relatively unique in analyzing texts and authors.
How do you believe Honors will assist you with your future endeavors/career goals?
I have chosen to invest a lot in Honors being a mentor and a Publications Coordinator. I hope that on a basic level these will get me points in the job world. I have also managed to make many connections with the various professors I have had over the years. I think learning to think critically and question everything are skills that I am likely to retain. Employers are looking for someone who is willing to look through things with a critical lens, and I have been prepared to do just that. Another unrelated but essential skill I have learned is the ability to push through when I do not want to.
How has the Honors College impacted your faith? We have read a lot of Church history in Honors, and that, in and of itself, was helpful to my faith. Reading the people who have dedicated their entire lives to studying the majesty of God has given me an understanding of who God is, Church history, and how God moves. People have a conception of God that is based only on their own understanding, without trying to see God. The Honors College has forced me to hear other understandings of God and compare them to my own. There is a beauty to faith, and I have been allowed to see that through this experience. I have been able to seek the truth of who God is. Not only are we allowed to ask these questions, but asking them with friends and growing in faith with those around me has made all the difference.
What is your favorite book? I really cannot choose just one. The authors that initially come to mind are Plato, Augustine, and Kierkegaard. Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling has really impacted me because of the way that he regards faith. He talks about how incredibly crucial it is to have an absurd level of faith in God and how much God moves, and how powerful He can be in that. You must accept the impossible possibility of God while also realizing that he does not have to do anything. That one might have stuck out to me the most. Plato’s The Republic and Augustine’s Confessions also just cannot be understated.
Do you have any advice for incoming students planning on joining the Honors College? If you want to become a better, stronger, and more virtuous person, or you want to leave college with more than just a degree, Honors is the place for you. If you want to be a better and wiser person who knows God more and experiences life more fully, Honors might be for you. It is a lot of work, but it is absolutely doable.
Jordyn’s Honors College experience has given her life lessons to take with her as she pursues her writing passions. From affecting her faith to giving her community, there is so much to take away from Jordyn’s story. Our hope is that you can have these experiences and revelations along with us. If you are interested in the Honors College or how to apply, please email or call us, and we will be happy to talk to you. We hope you are encouraged to apply!