Name: Peyton Baldwin
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Business Management, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Current Position: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant
City and State: Darkhan, Mongolia
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
Currently, I am serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Mongolia through the US Department of State. The goal of the Fulbright program is to create mutual understanding between countries and promote friendly and peaceful relations through “soft diplomacy”. I work at a local university to teach English classes, run speaking clubs and serve as a cultural resource throughout the community.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
I have so many fond memories of the lasting relationships I built with my peers and Professors at Evangel. I specifically treasure the memories I have from living on Lewis Fourth North with my closest friends during my senior year. We hosted everything from game nights to Saturday morning breakfasts to devotionals together. The community I built at Evangel is something I will have for the rest of my life.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
I truly identified my calling through the experiences given to me outside the classroom. My first year, I was invited on the Global Connections trip to South Korea by my Professor, Dr. Morrison. My dream was to live abroad, and the South Korea trip was the first step I took toward living out this calling. During the trip; I discovered my love for teaching English was a powerful way to build meaningful relationships to share God’s love.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
My experience at Evangel helped me to develop real-world skills to succeed after graduation. What started as assignments in the classroom my first year developed into practicum teaching and a Human Resources internship at a major corporation in Springfield my last semester. I graduated with more than just textbook knowledge.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
I really believe in the quote – “You don’t make your choices, your choices make you”. To prepare for the workforce, consider the small choices you make every day – are they developing you into the person you want to become? College is the time to build lifelong habits that will lead into the future. Above all, make the choice every day to spend time with the Lord in prayer and scripture, this is the best way you can invest your time.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
A positive attitude and a demonstrated work ethic through a range of experiences- from academic, clubs, athletics, or internships. No one expects you to be an expert as a new graduate, but be willing to learn and work hard!