Samford University’s School of Health Professions commemorated its annual Commitment to Calling Ceremony on Sept. 9 in Reid Chapel. During the event, ninety-five first-year School of Health Professions graduate students committed to answer their calling to serve others. Candidates from multiple programs were represented including those in the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Science in speech language pathology programs.
The purpose of the Commitment to Calling Ceremony is centered around 1 Peter 4:10 which reads, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
“1 Peter 4:10 is foundational to our school,” said Alan P. Jung, School of Health Professions dean. “Teaching our students to use their gifts to serve others is one of our highest priorities, and we believe these are the initial steps of the journey as they pursue the calling God has placed on their lives.”
Speakers included second-year School of Health Professions students Caroline Dyer, speech language pathology candidate, Charles Henry, physician assistant studies candidate, and Abby Kessinger, physical therapy candidate.
All three students expressed that while courses and clinical were not easy, that God had given them the strength and perspective to continue working to fulfill their respective callings.
“God has gifted each of us and provides us with the strength to live out our gifting. We get to see this come to fruition in our clinical placements,” said Dyer. “I encourage you to be present with the people you serve. Take a moment when you are with each patient and think ‘what does this person need from me? How can I serve this specific person in this specific moment?’”
“Sometimes we may feel that we are not ready for our purpose. There are times we may doubt that we are chosen. But we need to have faith and trust in God,” said Henry. “We may have tests along the way but these tests aren’t designed to make us fail. They are to help us grow. Each of you has been bestowed with the necessary gifts to achieve your purpose.”
“Although we all have a lot in common, we are also all very unique. God has equipped each and every one of you with exactly what you need to fulfill your calling both in your profession and as a follower of Christ,” said Kessinger.
As part of the ceremony, each student recited the School of Health Professions pledge, vowing devotion to a lifetime of compassionate service to humankind. Students were also presented with a pin to remind them of their commitment.