From Student to Teacher
When Nicolas Garzone (’20) started his college search, he had sever- al public South Carolina schools on the list. But the more he thought about it, the more he worried about what going to a university like that would mean for his spiritual life.
“As a high school senior, I was far away from the Lord. But I knew that if I went to a secular university, I would drift farther away from Christ, and my faith would most likely be compromised.”
That’s when he decided to apply to North Greenville University. He was accepted and entered as a mathematics major.
At NGU, part of Nicolas’ general education requirements included classes like Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey.
“The best part of my experience at NGU has been what I’ve learned through the Christian studies faculty. Those professors taught me how to study the Bible properly, which is unparalleled by any other skill. Even though I’m not in a ministry-related major, they made the most impact on me by far — both in terms of my education and my personal and spiritual life.”
Because of the impact NGU’s professors had on his faith, Nicolas decided he would love to become a professor someday as well, teaching math to future students just like him.
“I realized this passion through my time tutoring students in math, as well as learning from my professors,” he shared. “I get a special kind of joy when I am able to help a student understand a concept they are wrestling with.”
What Nicolas learned in his Old and New Testament survey classes will carry over into how he teaches his future students.
“[One] influence on my teaching would simply be the life of Christ. Of the many roles that Jesus carried out, one of those was a teach- er,” he explained. “Jesus traveled and taught the people about the kingdom of God. He spoke to people in a way that was familiar and understandable to them. As a teacher, I see that I must teach and speak in a way that is familiar to my specific audience; I also have to speak clearly, and with simplicity.”
Nicolas hopes to further his education by going to graduate school to pursue a doctoral degree in math. He hopes to find work as a math teacher and is considering using his mathematical skills in other avenues. Whatever doors the Lord opens, Nicolas feels that his time at NGU has well-prepared him for what God has in store for him.
MAY 2020 GRADUATE
NGU.EDU | 21
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