When Danielle Turner first made a campus visit to Southwest Baptist University, the
interaction she had with the faculty made an immediate and positive impression on
her.
Danielle participated in a fall visit event, still not sure of what she wanted to study, although she was interested in athletic training, physical therapy or a fitness-related career.
“After talking to Dr. Kevin Schriver (dean of the College of Education and Social Science), knowing his take on it, and helping me figure that out, I was like, ‘If this is how he is on a visit day, I wonder how he is as a professor,’ Danielle said. “He wasn't there because he had to be there. He did help me in figuring that out for myself.
“And, I talked to Dr. Prosperly Lyngdoh (associate professor of Christian Ministry) about mission trips. That was another thing that sold me about the mission trips that are taken here at SBU, too, because I'm big into missions.”
Danielle grew up going to Christian schools, but then went to a public high school and on to a community college. After arriving at SBU, she discovered a definite difference in atmospheres, especially when she was struggling with a math class.
“I think I realized that SBU is where I needed to be,” Danielle said. “My teacher was patient and understanding and said, ‘We're going to get through this together.’ I'd never had that before, and knowing that my teachers believe in me started making me finally believing in myself with academics. I'm finishing with all A's, and I have not had that in a long time – especially at the college level.”
That care and support of the SBU faculty are what have helped Danielle to succeed.
“They care for our success and they don't want us to fail,” said Danielle, a senior Sport Management major, with a Business Administration concentration. “They set their expectations in class and we're able to meet them. They see our potential and so they push us to be the best and not average.”
And, that mind-set is what she has taken into her practicum at the Farmington, Mo., Sports and Rehabilitation Center.
Danielle feels she has been prepared for the work she is doing, which will allow her to experience the administrative side of the career, as well as get the opportunity to job-shadow the director of the facility.
“Most of the sports management majors here do practicums between their sophomore and junior year,” Danielle said. “But, in talking to Ms. (Gina) Whitehead, she said it would be better for me to wait, so that I can have those business classes that are more targeted toward my major and what I would be doing in my practicum and internship, and later on in my career.
“With her knowing that would help me, it made a huge difference. Going in right after my sophomore year, when I was finishing my general education requirements, I wouldn't have had a clue on how these places work.”
Danielle also has been involved on the Major Events Committee of SBU's University Activities Council, as well as the Center for Global Connections. She traveled to Guatemala last year, and said she appreciates the support of the SBU community, especially her friends in her dorm.
“Growing up, I was the youngest of four,” Danielle said. “I had time living by myself in our house because my brothers and sister graduated and were off to college. So, I think gaining that sense of community back, and knowing that I can go to these girls for anything, and the friendships that I didn't think would ever be friendships started forming. It's pretty awesome.
“I feel like there are a lot of opportunities to plug in, and that has really made me come out of my comfort zone, but allowed me to show my talents and use skills that I have with UAC, for example.”
Danielle says that when looking for a college, it is important to “look for people who are genuine.”
“You don't have to go to a big, fancy state school to be able to get an education. Look for a sense of community and belonging and see how you can put yourself outside your comfort zone to fit in.
“I feel like SBU has challenged me, but in positive ways – like giving me room to fail, but encouraging me to get up and try again.”