Shu Schiller

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain For the first twenty-some years of my life, faith was distant, foreign, and the idea of God was a vague concept. I’d heard about God, but I never thought it would be relevant to me. Now, I look back and realize I was in the dark. But when in the dark, how could I possibly know the light? My journey to this light began in 2002 when I met Jon (my husband), who invited me to church on our second date. Everything felt strange while I sat in the church pew: stained-glass windows, a choir dressed in white, the thick Bible, but mainly, the message. Everything I heard that day was new to me, in a good way. My long-held belief about my life was being challenged: I had always worked hard in school, making sure my grades were good; I got into the best college, held high ranks in my class, but had never contemplated the actual purpose of my life. The message I heard seemed to debunk all the “goodness” I had. The message challenged me to answer the question “why” I existed. It took me a year to begin to understand who God really is and how Jesus had died for my sins. I learned my accomplishments could never take me to heaven; the only way is to trust in Jesus because He is the way, the truth, and life. Finally, one day, I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, who died for my sins and gave me a new life through Him. Through years of reading and studying the Bible, my relationship with Jesus has grown stronger. I feel closer to Jesus, and this growth has led me to a new perspective. God guided me to an enlightening discovery. I work at a university in the Midwest. Jesus has blessed me with passion for my students; we are all loved and created in His image. I feel energized to help my students build their intelligence and character. I realized my greatest joy is seeing them succeed and achieve, knowing that I have contributed to their growth. Jesus is my strength and helps me elevate others and shine like Him. Steadfast to this commitment, I have found my purpose - to advance knowledge, grow community, and build the next generation through education. “Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for considering how great things he hath done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 KJV Whether you are a student, a colleague, or someone who wants to connect, I would love to share more of my faith story and learn about yours. Christians are followers of Jesus; I will follow His teaching, His love, and more importantly, His Word. No matter where we go and what we accomplish, we will all stand in front of Jesus one day and give an account for ourselves. Knowing my purpose renders a clearer picture of my life. It will guide me to grow and serve Jesus. What about you?