I watched Haley Seidel present her Senior Honors Thesis research on Monday, March 17, 2025 and I thought of Paul Simon, the great American singer/songwriter. He was speaking of his greatest accomplishment, the award-winning album Graceland. He said “That’s it. That’s the best that I can do.” After Haley skillfully explained to the audience how demographic factors, especially age, affect diabetes education classes, and after she handled the Q and A session, during which she handled some difficult questions with great poise, I thought, “That’s it. That represents the best SWAU can do.” I was proud of her and I was proud of Southwestern Adventist University, because we provided the supportive educational environment that allowed Haley to become her best self. We have many students like Haley in Honors, working not just to graduate, but to become scholars, second-to-none.

That’s what I want for all of SWAU’s students: to have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. That means when they graduate, they can enter great careers, like Andrea Cardenas (read her story below), or enroll in professional schools like Thea Plosceanu (read her story below). I’ve traveled many miles with some of these fine people, in Ireland and in Greece. They are not only very smart, but are fun to be with. Who could be more hilarious than Keith Barrow, who is now in Germany working for Adventist World Radio? Who could be more kind than Estaban Deku, making sure fellow travelers were safe on the unstable surfaces of Greek hillsides? Honors students know about the world and care about its history. They understand the difference between knowledge and wisdom. They care about each other. 

If you want to isolate yourself from others, focus exclusively on learning job skills for your first job after graduation, avoid getting involved in extracurricular events, eschew service opportunities to help others, don’t join the Honors Program. It’s not for you.

A Current Student’s View

The most challenging and rewarding part of the Honors program was finding myself. I wanted to find meaning in my academics. I am a senior biochemistry major and up until now every part of my life has been enveloped in curiosity about the world through science. I feel as though the Honors Program is an important transition in one’s academic journey where you no longer learn and memorize concepts, but you start applying them in a way that is meaningful. This realization led me to my research topic: exploring self efficacy, in diabetes management and the possible demographic characteristics that could affect it. This topic speaks to me personally, as I have managed my own type 1 diabetes every day for 8 years. I know that through the Honors Program, every honors student will find their own “why,” not just in their academics, but also what speaks to them personally.
Haley Seidel, Senior Biochemistry Major

A Recent Graduate’s View (graduate education)

The Honors Program was a transformative experience for me, offering a chance to challenge myself academically and develop critical thinking skills through interdisciplinary studies. I had opportunities to network, volunteer, and work closely with faculty on research projects, which have significantly enhanced my problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. The supportive community and smaller class sizes fostered intellectual growth, preparing me well for the vigorous demands of medical school.
Thea Plosceanu, First Year Medical Student at Loma Linda University

A Recent Graduate’s View (working world)

Being part of the Honors Program has had a major impact on my career so far as a Social Media Specialist at Fossil Group. At SWAU, by engaging in group discussions and working on research projects, I developed strong professional communication skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail. These abilities are essential when collaborating with teams and creating effective messaging for a global brand. This experience has given me the discipline and skills I rely on every day in my role. 
Andrea Cardenas, Social Media Specialist at Fossil Group 

A Faculty Mentor’s View

Mentoring is a really great experience. While I am sharing my wisdom and experiences with an Honors Student, I am benefiting from seeing the world and their work from their perspective. It refreshes my interest in an important topic and broadens my views as well. It is delightful to see how, between the two of us, through brainstorming ideas, a potential pathway develops for them to take on a topic and explore the areas that intrigue them. It reminds me of the fun and challenges I faced as a student, embarking on research with the intent on leaving a small mark on the world. 

I start by exploring what their interests are and the work they've already done, then tossing out ideas and exploring potential ways the process could go, seeking to narrow the focus to a manageable, meaningful project. Then I engage on the sidelines as a cheerleader and consultant to help them realize their dream and support their success. 
Dr. Terri Gibson, Professor of Nursing

How to Join the Honors Program

So, you’re saying: “I’m sold. How do I join?”
If you haven’t taken any college courses, you need a 3.5 high school GPA (yes, homeschooling counts). If you’ve taken some college, you need a 3.4 GPA and you must maintain that GPA until you graduate.
You can easily apply online by clicking here. 
In the meantime, please check out the Honors web page and join our Honors Instagram @swau.honors.
    You can always send an email to doneskey@swau.edu.
    Honors. It’s not for everyone, but I hope you think it’s for you.