Trevecca’s Class of 2025 Accepts the Challenge

This spring, James Henson earned his Master of Science in human performance and fitness from Trevecca. The following is the speech he shared as he spoke on behalf of the graduating class, expressing gratitude for his experience as a student and promising to pursue excellence and trust in the Lord.

The graduating Class of 2025 accepts the challenge “to be persons of strong Christian character able to make ethical decisions based on biblical principles and reflective thought.” As the Trevecca mission states, “Their characteristics should include competence, responsibility, compassion and the ability to integrate Christian faith and learning in practice.”

My classmates and I experienced and grew in all of these characteristics as we encountered a broad range of struggles and victories during our graduate program together. We have been blessed to be in such a program that uplifts our spirit and challenges us in the most appropriate ways! By trusting fully in God, we had a sense of peace and mental clarity that the stress and momentary struggles were for the betterment of our futures. Strength and resilience are gifts given to us from God, and leaning on His grace and love is where our true joy came from.  

We experienced opportunities that we never imagined would occur, which led to personal growth and academic success. In our final field experience class, the assignments required us to collaborate and work with external partners by interviewing, researching and building relationships with them. The connections and willingness of others to work alongside us during our program showed me God's presence in everything happening in my daily life. We saw the mission of Trevecca in practice by our strong and faithful professors and faculty supporting us throughout the program.

Trevecca's mission of being a Christian community that provides both education and leadership for service was very evident in our day-to-day studies. I can recall multiple occasions when the specific message from our weekly devotionals allowed me to stay focused on God. Often, the devotionals were aligning with my current life at that moment. If I or another member of my cohort had a question or concern, I knew that through a quick email we would receive a prompt and detailed response, and that helped eliminate many worries.  

My experience at Trevecca taught me to believe that I am right where God has intended me to be. I found daily that my relationship with Christ was growing stronger through the relationships and time being put diligently towards the work, cohort and staff that I feel confident now to call my family.

When I was accepted into Trevecca, I recall exactly what I was doing and where I was. Dr. Aaron Hall had scheduled a phone call with me to determine my eligibility for the program since I was missing a few prior courses. When he called, I remember stepping outside of lunch at a Mexican restaurant and speaking to him about my life and goals. Once the call concluded, he said I would be a great fit, and I felt an overwhelming sense of joy.

For full transparency, it had been just a short year and a half before this that I was at the most challenging point in my life. I was emotionally, physically and mentally unable to figure out my next steps. At that point, I was called to get into a church and give myself fully to God. I was baptized for the first time a few months after attending church, and it was the best decision I have ever made. When I spoke with Christ and said to him,"My life is yours; use me how you will," my life changed forever and in the best way possible. I do not recognize the old me, and from that point, God has opened doors I never knew existed.

This was when I began looking into colleges. When I found Trevecca, I knew it was exactly where I was supposed to be. Today I get the honor and opportunity to stand in front of this outstanding University, friends and family to celebrate this special day and all the victories God has given graciously to each of us. Without his guidance and putting my complete faith in Christ, I would not be here today. I cannot say thank you enough for the life God has given me.  

Now, we are prepared, empowered and ready to take on this thing we call life and equip ourselves with the proper heart posture towards Christ, and use the gifts he has blessed us with. Starting with the head level, our approach to the relationship with Christ we are building allows us to develop followers and disciples through the blessings that have been given to us.

We can now embody the proper heart level and understanding of his love and grace, allowing us to put our work and ministry into practical action at the hand level through daily choices that will impact others.

I leave you with this verse, which has been my guiding light and foundation for helping develop me to become the man of God he envisioned me to be. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not into your own understanding. In all of your ways, submit to him and he will make your path straight."

As we walk through life in this world, trust the door He is opening is for you and have the courage to keep walking through it when things get challenging. Acknowledge Him while you are on this path He has set for you, and be okay with adapting to circumstances that may not be what you envisioned. God is there for you even in your lowest days and willingly gives Himself to us to help with any burdens and struggles we may be going through. Open your heart to Him and step into this world with the faith and promise he will provide. Dear Lord, we thank you, love you and give you all the glory. Thank you.