Blog / The First Five: Brian
There was so much to learn at Shepherds College®. The most important thing I learned is that I am made on purpose and for a purpose and that God created me to be uniquely used by Him.
I was thankful to learn how to interview for a job and work well with other employees. After leaving Shepherds College and graduating with a certificate in horticulture, I interviewed for a job at Gifted Gardens in Camdenton, Missouri and worked there from 2012-2016. When we moved to Arizona, I interviewed for a job at Moon Valley Nurseries. I worked there from 2017-2018 until my shoulder injury and resulting surgery. I then interviewed for a job in facilities at Scottsdale Bible Church (SBC) and have been working there since 2019.
During my time at Shepherds College, I also learned how to confidently mentor other people. In 2013, two years after I graduated, I was honored to be named as an international ambassador for ZimZam Global. I went to Africa with the team and loved connecting with and serving the people! I’m currently mentoring others as I volunteer in our Youth Group at SBC, as well as working with the teens in our special needs ministry.
I want to be an encouragement to other students currently at Shepherds College. I would tell them, as I wrote earlier, there is so much to learn. You are in a brand-new place, a new environment. You have probably never been away from home before. You don’t know anybody, and things will get hard. It seems easy to just give up and take off. But stick it out. The staff will welcome you in, and that’s really cool. Stick it out! Hang in there through the tough times. God will help you through. When I was there, He sent me Brian Canright, who helped me transition through different roles at the college. He guided me through leadership skills and encouraged me when my dad had a heart attack. God is with you, too.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Published in Volume 6, Issue 3 of SOAR Magazine.