While at Andrews, I have been fortunate to take classes from professors who exhibited values and teachings that encouraged me to integrate faith in my career. (Photo credit: Noah Allyn)
In Zimbabwe, I learned how to read, write and talk. There was a strong spiritual atmosphere in Solusi that encouraged me to seek God. The environment there molded me to have a deep understanding of the communal nature of God’s family. I truly believe the spiritual atmosphere at Solusi was a glimpse of heaven.
After moving from Zimbabwe in 2008, I became a peculiar sight. I was an Indian boy with a Zimbabwean accent in South Africa. We lived at Helderberg College, Cape Town, where I attended primary school and high school. The singing there was beautiful and unrivaled. Unfortunately, it was not contagious, as I soon found out in my attempt to be a part of the school choir. The unity in praise of God brought the church together. I can only imagine the singing and praise in South Africa to also be a glimpse of heaven.
After finishing high school, I came to Andrews University to pursue a Data Science degree with a Public Health and Finance minor. Andrews University is such a culturally vibrant and diverse place that I could almost feel my worldview expanding. It is a privilege to be in an Adventist institution with Adventists from all over the world. After all, we are all one under God. I can only imagine heaven to have even more cultures, worldviews and people. In the midst of my degree, my parents were called to serve at the Adventist University of Africa in Kenya. I was able to visit the beautiful campus this summer break.
While at Andrews, I have been fortunate to take classes from professors who exhibited values and teachings that encouraged me to integrate faith in my career. As social media has become an integral part of our society, it has socially engineered us to be, at times, morally ambiguous or lukewarm. The professors have shown me the importance of being ethical and empathetic in my career.
James 1:27 says, Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (NKJV). Perhaps the pictures of pleasure and prosperity that social media shows us may tempt us at times. It is necessary to realize that our purpose can be fulfilled if we orient our mindset to a Christ-like service of others.
As a data scientist, it may be easy to proverbially “sell my soul” to Wall Street in pursuit of glory and gold. However, I have come to the conscious conclusion that the skill set I have gained from Andrews University should be used to glorify God and His mission, whether it be through using data science in healthcare, social welfare, community development or furthering the ministry. Wherever God may lead me, I shall serve Him.
Steven Injety, Data Science major, Andrews University
