By Monte Nystrom
To Be More Like Them
In the course of a lifetime, people’s choices inevitably ignite chain reactions of influence in the lives of others. Small choices—such as the giving of an encouraging word, a shoulder to cry on, a prayer—strengthen the web of our delicate connections. In their own words, four alumni express gratitude for the choices, big and small, people made in their lives while at Walla Walla College and how the effects continue to spread.
Recently I was asked if I had a life-changing experience at Walla Walla College. The answer flowed easily and unequivocally, “Yes, wwc changed my life.” The impact of wwc on me was positive and profound. God used many students, professors, and staff members to show himself to me and to work in my life.
God worked in my life through students at wwc. Many times I found myself wanting to be better because of the good characteristics I saw in my classmates. Some of these students had a remarkable influence on me. I remember chatting with Carl Wilkinson before a class. He mentioned that they needed me in South Africa (he had been there the year before as a student missionary). He said this casually, almost nonchalantly, but his character was such that I knew he was saying it sincerely. I had never contemplated the idea before, but because of the profound respect I had for Carl, I started pondering the idea. He said nothing more about it, but the following summer I was traveling on a plane toward a life-changing experience as a student missionary in South Africa.
God worked in my life through professors. Frequently I found myself awed and inspired as I “sat at the feet” of Drs. Thompson, Brunt, Winslow, Scriven, Grove, Dybdahl, Bursey, Litke … the list goes on. Their scholarship was impressive, but characterized by humility. I felt from them a sincere desire to represent God correctly and guide us to a more intimate relationship with him.
God worked in my life through staff members. I am grateful to
Gene Jacobson for his friendship and inspiration while I was under his employ
on the Grounds Department. Gene directed the department in a way that made
the job something that I looked forward to each day.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by Dean Walt Meske both as
a resident assistant (R.A.) and a student dean. He saw in me potential that
I wasn’t aware of. He treated me in a way that made me want to rise to
what he saw in me. It was obvious that he cared deeply for the dorm residents,
and he wanted his R.A.s and student dean to be motivated by that same caring
spirit.
One of the goals that Dean Meske had for us was that we make opportunities to pray with the residents. He emphasized that this was especially important if we ever had to administer any kind of disciplinary measures to a resident. This seemed very difficult because residents who were receiving discipline seldom seemed in a mood to pray with the one administering the discipline.
Mark (the name has been changed) was one such resident. He had
broken a rule, and it was my responsibility to address the situation and administer
the appropriate discipline. I tried to do it in the caring way that Dean Meske
would have done, but when the time came to conclude, Mark seemed in no mood
for prayer. It seemed a sacrilege to make the attempt, but my respect for
Dean Meske guided me forward. When I asked if I could pray with him, he didn’t
consent, but neither did he decline. After I prayed with him, he was silent
and expressionless. I left his room feeling awkward and embarrassed.
Mark left wwc at the end of the quarter. I found myself thinking about him
periodically, but I didn’t know where he had gone or what he was doing.
Several months passed before I heard anything about Mark. A mutual acquaintance had seen him, and Mark had expressed to him his gratitude for the caring way he had been treated at wwc. He specifically mentioned how much he appreciated being prayed with, even when he had broken the rules and was under discipline. I was ecstatic. It seemed that a small portion of what I admired in Dean Meske had transferred to me. Perhaps I was making progress toward becoming the person he saw in me!
The impact of wwc continues to change my life. In the process of explaining how my experience changed my life, I was led to remember the students, faculty, and staff. As I thought of these people who had such a profound influence on me, I found myself overwhelmed with the desire to be a more caring teacher. I still find myself yearning to be more like them. Perhaps a little more of what I saw in them will continue to transfer to me. Perhaps their influence will reach even to my students!
Monte Nystrom, a 1982 industrial education graduate, is a vice principal at Paradise Adventist Academy in Paradise, Calif. He also teaches math, technology, and Spanish.