A Jack of All Trades and Master of None? No, Tat’s Definitely Not Me Andrew Ratchford (’11)
If it were not for the interdisciplinary stud- ies degree [at NGU], I would not have been flexible enough to move from local missions to affordable housing developer to public official and now to a private real estate investment firm.
Dr. Bruce gave me the audacity to believe that focusing on several things does not have to make me a jack of all trades and a master of none, but rather I can pursue excellence in whatever situation I find myself in.
Te first example was when I went to him for advice regarding my major. I was not happy with the major I entered with and was simply seeking. Dr. Bruce helped me decide to switch majors into [interdis, with components in history, English, and political science].
While speaking with Dr. Bruce was always impactful, the greater importance came from other students. I was challenged constantly in new ways by attending classes in multiple dis- ciplines with students who thought differently than I did. Another interdis student might be focusing on Christian studies or business, so
their perspective would be varied and require a more holistic consideration of the issue at hand.
After NGU, I was given an opportunity to practice a portion of my senior seminar thesis, which focused on asset-based community development. I gave up my goal to attend law school and moved to a disadvantaged commu- nity in Greenville, where I worked with local ministries, schools, and community members to bring new life to the area. I personally went through the low-income rental and home ownership process and was nominated as the community president. I ran a community gar- den — [with] over $100,000 in donations . . . and more than 2,500 volunteers from Maine to Miami — where we grew food and gave it back to the community.
Eventually, I began working for an affordable housing nonprofit, where I secured funding to build and manage new affordable housing in the community I lived in. I was able to contin- ue ministering to low-income families, but also began to build a network and work history.
I have created value in myself for others be- cause of my flexibility. People have said about unusual or particularly difficult projects, “Just give that to Andrew. He will find a way to get it done.”
Currently, I am an asset manager for a $400+ million real estate portfolio. We own and man- age multifamily and assisted living facilities. I gained experience in this field while working for the affordable housing nonprofit. My flexi- bility and analytical skills continue to afford me success in this new endeavor.
I hope I have truly synthesized the values from my interdis experience with my work experi- ence and newly acquired [Master of Business Administration] degree . . . to be an excellent employee capable of functioning at a high level in many different areas.
Interdis students are often considered jacks of all trades and a master of none. My intent and effort was to be excellent in all that I did. Tis seems to be paying off. I believe God is giving me success . . . with a call to continue giving back.
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