“I want to be up in front of people — leading them in the right direction.”

That’s why Columbia International University incoming freshman Brunson 价格 wants to be an educator.

Brunson was one of six Gilbert (South Carolina) High School students at an “Education Signing Day” ceremony at the school sponsored by the school’s Teacher Cadet program, celebrating the students’ desire to study 教师教育 in college — especially during a time when the nation is facing a teacher shortage.

Brunson, who will also play baseball for the CIU Rams, was introduced to CIU by alumni, including a coach on a summer American Legion baseball team who encouraged him to check out the school. Brunson’s mother Tina 价格 calls that “a God thing.”

“我们去参观了CIU. 他喜欢这个校园. Met the (head baseball) coach there. It truly happened for a reason,” added Mrs. 价格.    

She stood alongside her son as he signed to enroll at CIU, as did CIU Teacher Education Professor Dr. 乔工艺 who says it is the CIU faculty’s desire to support students in their spiritual giftedness and to fulfill the calling God has on their life.

从这个召唤中, Brunson will be given the opportunity to grow in his faith, learn valuable techniques and skills that will support his calling, and to flourish in his desire to be a positive influence on kids through academics and athletics,克拉夫特说. “CIU and the College of Education are excited for Brunson to attend in the fall, and we believe God already has a special calling on his life.”

Brunson’s voice rises with excitement when he discusses playing for the Rams under Head Baseball Coach Jonathan Johnson, a former pitcher who played in the Major Leagues for six years with four teams.   

“There is nobody better that I would ever want to play for,布伦森说. “他去过那里. He has done everybody’s dream, to grow up and play in the Major Leagues. There is nobody better to learn from.”  

事实上是这样的, Brunson’s long-term goal after college is to be a physical education teacher and a coach.

“Our coaches (at Gilbert High) have been a big part of steering me to education because they have the perfect job,布伦森说. “They get to work with young athletes. That’s where I want to be. I want to work with younger athletes. I just think it’s so important. I’m passionate about that.”

高等学校. 更深的信仰. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. 马上申请 or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting 招生 at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ycdwkj666.com.