Before starting my first semester here at Vanguard I often found myself wondering why I believe what I believe. I had a hard time understanding the Bible and even harder finding answers to my questions. It was hard for me to muster the courage to ask questions because I didn't want to seem like someone who didn't know everything about the Bible. Once I started freshman year I started to realize that I'm not alone, everyone has questions or things they don't fully understand. Encountering the New Testament broke down parts of the Bible and made it much easier for me to understand. Starting classes at Vanguard was a terrifying experience for me, I didn't really know anyone and had been homeschooled most of my life, as soon as I entered the New Testament Survey I felt at peace. If there was one course that I would really enjoy and take things from and apply to my everyday life, I knew it would be this one. I absolutely loved learning about the Bible and gaining more and more knowledge every time I went to class. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30pm I was excited to go to class. Each week as I read the quizzes, I learned more and more, and each day I developed a stronger understanding of why exactly I believe what I believe. The more I attended classes, the more I got answers to my questions. I learned what it must have meant for God to suffer on the cross for my sins. I also learned exactly how much Paul loved Christ and how far he would go to make Christ proud of him. I became more knowledgeable about the Bible, and when my eight-year-old granddaughter had questions, I was able to answer them. Coming to a Christian school and taking Dr. Sims' class has honestly made me a better person. ...... middle of paper ......and evangelize. Before reading The Silas Diary I never knew how important evangelism was. After reading and learning about the apostle Paul, I know that I want to become a missionary and evangelize around the world. The New Testament survey has transformed me into a better person because it has helped me understand my faith. I was always raised with my faith, I was never taught to challenge my beliefs and myself. Through this course I learned to ask questions because through questions you can strengthen your understanding. Dr. Sim is always so thoughtful and sweet. He genuinely cares about each of his students, I believe that is why I did so well in this class. Dr. Sim interested me and made me want to become a better person with every lesson. There was never a class where I didn't leave in a good mood and ready to put the lessons into practice.