Why I Would Never Hire an APU Student

Every day I hear more stories of APU alums not getting good jobs after college and they all seem to wonder what they missed. I have come to realize that much of the experience at APU is completely inadequate when it comes to preparing young people for their future careers. There are exceptions though. Obviously nurses, psychology majors and health majors, and many Bible majors need to establish grounds in an undergraduate degree and then follow up with graduate programs, but for the most part, APU is guiding their students straight into a path of failure as a member of the global workforce. I have three primary reasons for this belief. First, provided internships are unprofessional and lack any real-world expectations. Second, much on-campus employment is founded on a system of four-year and part-time employment and has no paths for true success after graduation. Third and most challenging for me to express, many professors are not pushing their students enough to really maximize their potential.

First off, the internships. I have had two different opportunities for internships and I will not go into much detail about them but instead focus on the general concept of unpaid internships. In the traditional sequence of events, a student arrives at college having a small idea of how they want to contribute to the world. They then try out their classes and figure out exactly how God has fitted their skills into the vast world of working adults. So after this sense of calling, they embark on their core courses and begin the oh so wonderful internship. While this may sound promising, there is one huge factor in this process that is missing. The problem with college internships is that they are given to you, feeding the famous millennial mindset of having life handed to you on a platter. Unlike paid and well-designed job opportunities, internships have no real competition. Without competition, the choice of applicants is quickly diminished and the students have no real desire to work. Their incentives boil down to fulfilling credits and hopefully locking in a job after the intern period is completed. There is no reason for me to go out and do a spiritually and educationally fulfilling internship if all I need is a signature for completed work hours. If students really want to succeed in the world, they have to learn the essential skills of interviewing, personal presentation, design, and individuality. These skills develop through specific courses and lots of trial and error, not internships handed to a student with a need for credit. Honestly, students need to learn how to lose. Then from loss do they finally understand what their strengths and weaknesses are and how they can reshape their resumés and hone skills to succeed. Their identity needs to be clearly identified. How do we expect college graduates to stand out when they look exactly like everybody else? America has created a society that is scared of risk and settles for mediocrity when it comes to the job-seeking process. Successful students will put all they have on the table and show people who they really are. By creating this blueprint for success, we have abandoned creativity and decided it is better to be shaped from the corporate cookie cutter.

I really hate to put some blame on my professors because they are fantastic people with many different backgrounds and many have been extremely successful in their careers, but there is a serious issue to be addressed. The problem with the teaching at APU is that it is too easy. I am completely serious. Perhaps it is just certain programs, even though APU is apparently well accredited in many different fields. But why is it that I can walk into my junior year of college and get straight A's without skipping a beat? I mean, I am not beyond talented in anything particular. While I may have a lot of motivation and be very ambitious in my educational journey, I would like to see professors challenge me more. Is every paper I write really A quality? Really? That cannot be right. Even if I am a good writer or mathematician or whatever, challenge me to do better! How can I make myself above and beyond the rest of the world. Again, settling for mediocrity.

Back to internships and employment, much of APU has a serious lack of competitive and challenging student employment opportunities. Students wonder why their real world experience as a hamburger flipper did not directly apply to their career in journalism. Well maybe you should not have applied for that job in the first place. Yes there must be people to fill these jobs that keep the world running, but where has our motivation gone? When I started high school, about ninety percent of students planned on going to college. This was extraordinary! A group of students excited for the world and eager to seek their dreams! Suddenly, graduation comes along and they have nowhere to go because they lost the motivation to apply to 4-year universities. This same thought is contagious among college students. It is sort of this idea that if they can not land that dream job they might as well settle for less. Well of course you can not get that dream job. Why on earth would I hire somebody without passion and respect for what we do? I recently asked a local recruiter for Russ Reid company, a multi-million dollar fund-raising organization based in Pasadena, what really makes students that walk into her office really stand out. Without a second's thought she answered “Students that get jobs here, walk in and know what they are doing. They know the company backwards and front, and they have an intense desire to be part of Russ Reid.” That is the attitude students need to take. So how do this relate to student employment, well the university needs to get over this idea that students are incapable of serious jobs and start providing quality positions for students. There is a reason that the title is student worker, not employee.

Of course, there are some great examples of very successful programs. I have been blessed with incredible opportunities as a student and employee of APU. Among the many problems with the political system of APU's student employment program, there are a few shining stars that set a clear example. First off, the introduction of new school sponsored businesses such as Evoke are smart opportunities for student engagement. The reason why this, among others, stands out above internships is that the job market is competitive and provides appropriate monetary incentives for employees to work their hardest. If an applicant is not good enough, they do not get the job and they must then work harder and push themselves to new heights to compete in the jog market. In the hierarchy of resumé highlights, real world job experience will almost always stand above unpaid internships.

I have personally been blessed with a fantastic job at the APU Computer Store. As an employee for over 19 months, I have never been more challenged to succeed. While the experience in a multi-million dollar retail business is fantastic, the hallmark is in the way the Computer Store inspires success and service into their staff. This business is highly competitive and everybody knows it. Through a very selective process of hiring, we have become a proud team that serves God in everything we do. When a future employer asks me about my experience at the Computer Store, I know that I will not be able to withhold a smile as I think of all the great memories and victories we have had as a family. This is what students should feel about their jobs at APU. Through passionate camaraderie and inspirational leadership, any firm can dramatically change the morale of the workplace and only then will they reach the goals that they uniquely desire.

Aside from the workplace, APU has really guided me in my journey of finding my identity and why God places me where I am. I do not think there is another place in the world where I will learn more about God and the ways peoples' lives are changed and shaped into a life of passion and beauty. I look around every morning and can not believe that I am living in LA County and am working with the fantastic individuals I get to call my friends and family. There is not a day that goes by without me looking at this school and smiling out of joy for the people here. APU provides a community of reality. There are no boundaries or conversations that are uncomfortable. Every person in this family has dark struggles and for the first time in my life, we share them! I have shared my darkest struggles and temptations with people I have only known for a matter of hours! Who the heck does that? If I shared my life story with anybody else outside of this community, they would think I am from another planet for being so transparent. Where else will you find such a loving and encouraging group of people. It is incredible and I am grateful for such an opportunity.

One year from now, when I walk out across that stage and shake Jon Wallace's hand as he hands me my diploma, I will know that my money spent here has been the greatest investment I will ever make. Will I walk across that stage into the hands of an eager employer? Probably not. Am I ok with that? No, of course not. That is what I would like to change. How can APU begin to reshape itself to prepare people for their future? The students of APU have a chance to really change the way we challenge ourselves to reach success. We are all blessed to be in such a community of gifted leaders and talented peers, I hope and pray that we learn to embrace this and see where it takes us.

In the words of my loving grandfather:

Grace and Peace,

Britton

Xbox One and why I'm sticking with Microsoft

Recently, there has been insane amounts of banter about the Xbox One and the PS4.  According to numerous websites, polls, and other sources of chatter, it seems that most consumers will be buying Sony's console this holiday season.  But as for me, I am still strongly buying the Xbox One.

While many will instantly bash on me for this statement, this console works very well for me.  But I will start with some technical information to give people a background of the consoles.

So, spec wise, lets admit it, they are practically identical.  And with the graphics these days, nobody except a fanatic techy is going to pinpoint the differences between graphic capabilities.  Also, Microsoft is now implementing a digital rights program that restricts a lot of access to used content and game sharing as well as require internet access.  If you need more information on that, just search "Xbox DRM" and hundreds of articles will pop up. Finally, both consoles now require annual fees to engage in online gaming and both have their fair share of exclusives.

With that said, there are a few reasons why I am buying the Xbox One.  
1) Games and downloads
2) Kinect
3) Xbox Live
4) User Interface and SmartGlass

First off, I am the kind of person who buys maybe 3 or 4 games for my console the first year and maybe one or two games the following years.  As of right now, my plans are to buy Destiny, Battlefield 4, Forza 5, and the next Halo game.  I will admit, I am a huge Halo fan from the start.  That is a huge swaying factor for me, and personally, I have never enjoyed many of the Playstation exclusives.

But here is my main argument against the new game policy placed by Microsoft.  

As somebody who enjoys the power of emerging technology I am going to take full advantage of the online capabilities by Microsoft and direct download all of my games.  The convenience of a large SSD is fantastic.  To never have to put in a game again is awesome!  I will enjoy ridiculously fast load times and with Xbox's new platform, I can switch between games and apps instantly.  I absolutely love that feature!  So with that said, I don't care for used games or sharing games with my friends.  When I buy a game, I have done extensive research and know exactly what I am buying.  I have no need to try it out first. I have also never had a good experience with used games. I would rather have all of my content in one place that is easy for me to access.

Second, I am a big fan of the Kinect.  Unlike many gamers out there, I host a lot of dance parties and such with my friends.  I also enjoy using voice commands.  I understand that voice commands can be a joke but I use them when I am not gaming.  For example, if I am about to do dishes, it will be nice to just voice command my Xbox and watch movies, listen to music, or browse videos without doing anything.  

Most people, both Xbox fans and Playstation fans will admit that Microsoft has a smoother and friendlier online service than Sony.  The Xbox community is something that I have always loved.  Most of my close friends are Live members and it's great to play big matches in BF3 with my squad members all being people I know.  

Finally, the Microsoft Xbox OS is cleaner and much more user-friendly than Sony's.  I liked how Microsoft didn't over Windows-ize the Xbox OS.  It still is true to Xbox and is something that has always worked well.  But my favorite thing is Xbox SmartGlass.  Being able to use my tablet or phone to work with my consoles is a favorite feature of mine.  Regardless of the technology, voice searches are not always very accurate.  Adding keyboard features is wonderful.  Also, there are numerous times while watching something on Netflix and I am struggling to remember an actors name or where they played in the past, and having my iPad ready with that information instantly is pretty cool.  Playstation has the Vita, but I just can't justify having a portable console on me. I am just not that hardcore of a gamer.

I think some of the features by Xbox One are impressive as well. I don't really care for the Xbox TV and Fantasy Football or Skype stuff.  I don't use any of these programs, ever.  But the direction that Microsoft is taking with online services and digital content is the way that gaming is shifting.  We all understand that the CDs and Blu-Ray discs becoming obsolete and it will just be a matter of time before everything is web-based.

Finally, these are some things I never enjoyed with the PS4.
1) The exclusives (I'm just not a fan of Uncharted, LBP, and such)
2) The online service
3) The controller
4) The look and styling of the console
5) Move and Eye Camera

All in all, I feel that the PS4 is really lacking some features that the Xbox has.  And this whole DRM thing that everybody is whining about, it really is not a big deal.  I download my games and my console is NEVER offline.  I mean, when am I ever not going to have internet in my house? The Xbox One is a sleek system with a wonderful and loyal fan base and continues to innovate new ways to make the Xbox more of an all-in-one system.  I still choose the Xbox One.

Something that needs your attention.

I'm letting you know right now, you are probably going to either love or hate this blog post.  Just a heads up...

As a first born son, I've always taken on the responsibility of knowing that every step I take is being carefully observed and replicated by my younger brothers.  It's something I've just grown up with and sometime forget about.  But it's what drives me to success.  I look at who I am and think, "would my younger brother want to be where I am at right now?"  Or would he look at my life and think of how he will take every step he can to be the opposite of who I am.  So with that said, I place a lot of responsibility on men to be leaders to women. It's a very controversial issue in the emerging contemporary church but I believe that in a marriage relationship, a man's primary responsibility is to be as christlike as possible.  This is what it means to lead.  To serve, respect, unconditionally love, and have passion to maximize his wife and make her all that she can be.  People often look to biblical verses regarding men having power over women and get all edgy about it.  I disagree and think that what was written was very intentional.  Yes I understand that in ancient times, culture was dominated by a powerful system of masculine superiority.  But understand that a truly powerful and righteous man will do anything within his power to serve others.  It is something that in our American culture, we have really lost touch with.  I wish it wasn't that way.  I wish that men would look to what Jesus taught on service and love and compassion and truly realize how beautiful it is when two people can love each other and serve so passionately.

So why am I writing about this?  Well lately, I've been encountering a lot of instances where men of my age have really screwed up, and I thought I should say something about it.  Simply said, I cannot count on my two hands how many women in my life have been raped or sexually assaulted by a man.  How many women will have burdens that they carry into every future relationship they will ever have?  How many marriages will struggle because of one man's lack of judgement?  Think of how many girls there are out there that believe that they are far from God and blackened by actions they had little to no influence on.  I've seen the court hearings.  I've seen the suicides and the drug addictions that develop out of this.  These women's lives are lost.  And we all know that.  Sexual abuse is an epidemic that is running rampant through our schools, our homes, and our families.  This is unacceptable!

Like I said, we hear this a lot today.  It is no mystery that women are being attacked by men.  But hink of how often you hear of the guy of the situation?  Somehow he manages to walk away.  But what I can't even begin to understand is how can this even be possible? How do you invisibly walk away from raping a woman?!  Do you not look at Facebook and see that smiling profile picture and realize that she will probably never smile for the rest of the year because of what you've done to her?  How can you possibly live with yourself?!  How can you even begin to tollerate the guilt and shame and utter embarrassment for how immature and weak you are?  You destroyed her life and made her think that it was her fault!  I don't get it.

When I lived in Idaho, I participated in a group called Start Strong.  I was young, about 16 years old.  As part of this group, I led and coordinated several events at the local middle schools and taught short sessions on healthy dating and spotting the signs of abuse.  I absolutely loved this program!  And I learned a lot, but what really struck me was how these 12 to 15 year old boys were viewing the girls of their school.  These teenage girls were objects, traded for a monetary value based on the shape of their body and the length of their hair.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  I began to search for answers.  In one specific class session, I asked everybody, girls included, what it meant to be a man and what phrases come to mind when you think of manliness.  The top answers were typically "rub some dirt on it," "no pain no gain," "men don't cry," and "be in control."  I would then ask them what it meant to not be a man.  The top answer by a long shot was "pussy," followed by "gay" and "weak."  All of which are derogatory towards women (which is another whole blog in itself).  So there was my problem.  The image of what it meant to be a man.  But can it be changed?  I'm quickly losing hope.

I could go on and write a lot more about this, but it's 2:45 in the morning and I need to collect my thoughts and go to bed.  If you want to hear more, shoot me up an invite to coffee or lunch.

So my challenge is simple. Men, grow up and realize what it means to really be man!  Are you going to go out and be that badass that you are as you slap your girl and force her to have sex with you?  Are you going fall into your apetites and fill that short term desire for sex?  How much does it cost to fill that desire?  Is rape the ultimate cost?  What about her life?  

I want to create a shift in this perspective.  So please, join me and make women feel loved!  Tell her how beautiful her eyes are today! How much you like her dress.  Can you imagine how different this world would be if women can look at your face and think "Wow! He is a great friend and cares for me so much!  That is a true man of God!"  I want to be that man of God.  I want so badly to understand God's love just so I can share it with the world and spread it to everybody around me!

To the women out there who have been affected by the immature actions of men in your lives, I'm sorry.  I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.  I will never be able to fathom the pain that you have gone through.  I know that there isn't much I can do to help but I really want to encourage you to reach out and seek help.  I was absolutely blown away by how many girls, especially close friends of mine, that keep sexual assault and rape a secret from their family and church.  God has so much mercy and love for you! There is nothing that can separate you from that!  If you attend Azusa Pacific University, you are probably not going to get a better chance to share this pain you suffer from.  The people here are authentic and love you so much!  I pray for your courage and that you can see the love that God has for you.

Peace.