This article was originally published on apu.edu.
Tyler Jones ’24 aims to be a light in the lives of others. A senior communication management major with a psychology minor, Jones felt called to Azusa Pacific University after learning about what the school stood for as a God First institution, which matched his values. He was thrilled to find out he had received a multi-ethnic leadership (MEL) scholarship on top of his academic award and financial aid. “The scholarships lined up perfectly,” Jones said. “They made it possible for me to come to APU and I’m grateful.”
As part of the MEL program, Jones serves as a leader who encourages diversity and inclusion on campus. Members of the program meet monthly to discuss the campus climate and how campus can be inclusive. “We have tough conversations that encourage us to get out of our comfort zones,” he said. “We have a very diverse student body at APU. The MEL meetings provide a special place where students of all backgrounds can talk about our lives and develop strong relationships with each other.”
Through the MEL program, Jones chose to serve in the Office of Campus Life’s Alpha program, serving as an Alpha leader as a sophomore and an Alpha coordinator as a junior. “I quickly fell in love with it. Nothing is more rewarding than serving as a mentor for new students and walking alongside them as they start their college journey,” he said. One of Jones’ favorite Alpha leader memories is when he and his roommate, Jesse Watson, invited both of their alpha groups to their campus apartment for an ice cream sundae party. “It sounds simple, but just getting to know the new students and sharing laughs over ice cream was special.” Jones highly recommends students apply for the Alpha program to build leadership skills and develop meaningful relationships.
“Most of my best friends at APU came from the Alpha program. It’s been a huge part of my journey at APU.”
In his work as a leader in the Alpha and MEL programs, Jones uses much of what he learns in his major courses. Two of his favorite classes, leadership communication and organizational and professional communication, have equipped him with the skills needed to communicate effectively and lead teams successfully. He is especially appreciative of his mentor, Courtney W. Davis, PhD, associate professor. “Dr. Davis’ classes require a lot of critical thinking. She pushes you to go beyond the surface level,” Jones said. “She has challenged me and helped me grow. Her mentorship has been an essential part of my education at APU.”
After graduation, Jones aspires to become a firefighter. He feels that the leadership and communication skills he’s developed at APU will benefit him tremendously as a firefighter when he leads teams on rescue missions. Jones was inspired by his uncle, who served as a battalion chief of a fire department. He described one of their conversations that helped him realize his calling.
“It really stuck with me, being able to help others and be there for them, protect them, be their light on their darkest day, that’s definitely something I wish to pursue,” he said.
Being the light for others stems from Jones’ faith. “My faith is what inspires me, what makes me who I am, and how I base my actions,” he said. Growing up, Jones was taught to always treat others with grace, respect, and love because you never know what they’ve experienced or what they're currently going through. “I believe that God has called me to be the light in others lives and I try to answer that call every day.”