Kelsey Lord’s time at Life Pacific University (LPU) was a journey of personal and academic growth—one where she discovered the depth of her calling and learned to embrace both challenges and blessings. As she reflects on her experiences, she acknowledges that the woman she is today is shaped by the lessons learned in all aspects of life during her time at LPU.
“The woman that I am today is due to the lessons that I learned holistically during my time at LPU,” Kelsey shared. “Academically, I learned that it is worth it to go deeper and challenge myself with classes that I didn’t ‘have’ to take.” Her degree in Psychology, combined with additional Bible classes like Old Testament Theology and Biblical Exegesis, gave Kelsey a more comprehensive and theologically sound understanding of her faith. “This choice allowed me to get the most out of my education—not just what was required for a degree,” she noted, emphasizing how a willingness to go beyond the bare minimum enriched her learning experience.
Kelsey’s personal growth at LPU was just as significant. She learned the importance of setting boundaries and navigating the growing pains that come with maturing. “Growing up feels hard but it is worth the growing pains,” she said, recognizing that these challenges were opportunities for growth provided by the Lord. She also took a leap of faith by participating in mission trips to Colombia and Romania, experiences that shaped her worldview. “My life and worldview were changed from my obedience to Him in those moments.”
One of the verses that anchored Kelsey throughout her journey was Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” This passage served as a reminder that, despite hardships, the Lord’s presence remains constant, and He allows struggles to glorify Him through the testimony they produce. “I did encounter waters, and didn’t drown. I did encounter the fire, but I never was engulfed,” she said, reflecting on the strength and protection God provided in times of trial.
As a graduate, Kelsey’s walk with the Lord has transformed significantly. “I worship and praise the Lord for who He is, not basing my obedience and worship on my circumstances,” she shared. Her understanding of emotional health and trauma, shaped by LPU’s Human Development and Psychology program led by Dr. Dawn Houk, solidified her passion for pastoral counseling. She aims to integrate her psychology expertise into ministry and bring Jesus into the secular psychological field. “Each psychology and Bible class shaped my understanding of the mind, emotions, feelings, and how they relate to God,” Kelsey explained.
Since graduating, Kelsey has taken on the role of a domestic violence case manager and advocate at the Child Family Center, a nonprofit organization. “Here I can openly communicate my faith, pray with clients, and be on the front lines of healing,” she said. Through her work and church partnerships, she hopes to educate the Church on the intersection of psychology, emotional health, and the Christian faith.
Kelsey is quick to acknowledge the immense impact of LPU’s faculty and staff on her journey. “My first boss in Residence Life, Maria McCracken, changed me for the better in so many ways,” Kelsey noted. “She taught me to be coachable and to strive for excellence for His glory and not perfection.” Professors like Dr. Jim Adams, Dr. Tim Lee, and Dr. Dawn Houk—among many others—played a pivotal role in shaping her academic and spiritual growth, while behind-the-scenes staff members offered support that enhanced her LPU experience.
What Kelsey will miss most about LPU is the community. “To be able to go outside and run into 20+ people you know, have weekly events, meetings, classes, etc., was a privilege,” she said, noting that the intentional community created at LPU fostered deep relationships and spiritual growth. “Community is intentional, and the gap is felt once I moved off campus.”
As she looks ahead, Kelsey’s advice for incoming students is simple yet powerful: “You will get what you give from your experience. So, take extra classes, especially take extra Bible classes (highly recommend), use the free counseling on-campus, be involved with Student Life, have a mentor, show up to events, support your RA, go on a mission’s trip, create new friends, etc.”
She encourages students to step out in faith and challenge themselves, knowing that the growth and blessings that come from these opportunities will outweigh the discomfort. “You’ll never regret doing more, you’ll only regret not doing enough.”
