Staff writer

Distinctive qualities, distinguishing features and moral excellence are just some of the ways to define character, according to the Merriam- Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus.

Those are the exact words that describe the HPE 2590 Character Education class that is offered at Shorter. The purpose of this class is “to encourage young people to seek a life of purpose, substance and significance grounded in faith, perseverance and self-control.”

Employee Richard Ivan Johnson mainly teaches the class. Johnson is the father of Brad Johnson, former NFL quarterback who helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl XXXVII. He  also helped establish the Winshape Camp located on the Berry College campus.

Johnson was inspired to teach this class because it was an opportunity to do something he really loved to do after he retired from Winshape.

“This class allows me to continue with my life purpose: to encourage students to discover their skills and gifts. They are developing their character, and becoming passionate to not only make a living, but to make a life. Shorter University is the perfect place for me to be able to do such a thing.”

Every semester, the class goes on at least three field trips. On Feb. 23, students participated in the ropes course, a zip line offered at Winshape and on Feb. 28 they visited the home of Nolan Robinson, former vice president of Chick- fil-A. The last field trip planned is to visit the Chick-fil-A headquarters and hopefully the City of Refuge, a homeless shelter in Atlanta, on April. 3.

Ashley Lee, freshman pre- nursing major, has enjoyed all the field trips so far.

“I have enjoyed the trips so much. I feel that I have had some eye-opening experiences. Winshape was my favorite– I love the zip line!”

Character Education has five goals that students should gain after taking this course: awareness, appreciation, importance, commitment and practice. These goals are accomplished by going on the field trips, writing reflections and having guest speakers speak to the class.

Leslie N. James, sophomore pre-nursing major, already has lessons that she will take with her after finishing the course.

“Trials and tribulations happen to everyone through life. Having faith, hope and perseverance with the support of your family and friends will help you overcome it,” said James. “I hold myself accountable for the decisions I make. It is up to me how hard I work toward my goals.”

That is exactly what Johnson wants his students to get out of the class.

“I hope the students taking the class will be encouraged to take their character as seriously as they do their academics, their sports and their social life because it is going to take a lot of it to get where they want to go in life and remain there,” said Johnson. “And most of all, to grasp the concept of happiness with whatever they do in life, that they may do it in ways that glorify the Lord.”

Johnson began teaching this class in the spring of 2008. Ever since, more students are taking this course.

CJ Arnold, sophomore business major, took the course because he heard several great things about the curriculum and Johnson’s passion.

“Character defines who we are, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to take this class.”

Character Education is a two credit course. Johnson advises that athletes who play in the fall take the course in the spring and vice versa.

Carol Poss

Staff writer

Every day, students shuffle around campus from class to class, activity to activity. It is sad to say, but they are missing out on life. For the most part, college students are in their early 20s, with almost limitless options. It is hard to believe that students would let so many of these chances pass.

The culture of college students allows for so much opportunity. The problem is not all college students want that culture. Some students are so stuck in the rut of exams and assignments that they are missing the scenery on the road to a degree. Even students who pride themselves in getting the most of their education fall into this trap.

Junior English education major Anthony Dyches said that although he wants to be well rounded, it can be easy to become methodic in education.

“I have gone through the motions in many of my classes, but I always try to do my best in the classes I enjoy most,” said Dyches. “I particularly take interest in any class that engages me to think about my future teaching high school English.”

Dyches accredits much of his love for learning to the instructors.

“It helps to have instructors who are focused on more than just their content,” said Dyches. “For instance, I have had the great opportunity to take classes with professors who have been interested in uplifting their students both intellectually and spiritually.”

Professors uplifting their students can lead to personal development, which, according to UpMarket, an online marketing magazine, can combat stagnant mindsets. UpMarket says a solid personal development plan will equip you with the necessary tools to live your life to the fullest.

One of the keys to living life to the fullest is a healthy relationship with knowledge. The love of learning for learning’s sake is missing from the ideology of many college students. For Dr. Carmen Butcher, professor of English and scholar-in-residence, a desire for education was rooted in a heart for God.

“My desire for education is rooted in my desire to know my God,” said Dr. Butcher.

Christians have a responsibility to search for knowledge. The integration of faith and learning is the key to a well-rounded student. Dr. Butcher said that being a learner is about seeing the big picture.

“It is about a mission greater than me, part of a team,” said Dr. Butcher. “Education has to be love in action, because one wants it to be.”

Being ego-driven can be harmful for college students, as can obsessing over money, success or recognition. Dr. Butcher said that anything can become a god. It is the obsession that takes over and students lose sight of the opportunities they have been given.

The desire for an education has to start with the desire to be a life-long learner. Dr. Butcher said her students are her teachers.

“The outcome has to be love,” said Dr. Butcher. “We miss out when we forget the heart.”

Students are catching on. There are many students on the Hill learning with passion both in the classroom and out.

“I hope I never stop learning because learning is growing, and I would not want to become stagnant,” said Dyches.