Johnathan Partridge (JP)
Current Role
Marketing and Publications Coordinator at Liberty House
Major
Creative Writing and Journalism, 2016
What’s one thing that surprised you about Corban?
I was surprised how much I would fall in love with living in the dorms on campus. I lived in PVG my first two years and Farrar my last two, and I made so many lifelong friends during that time. I was also surprised by how much the professors cared about me personally. Many of them became friends who I continue to check in with, and they continue to help me succeed beyond Corban.
What about Corban specifically prepared you for this next step in your journey?
Corban gave me personal connections with experts in my field of study, instilled in me a high standard of excellence—which continues to aid me in all aspects of my life—and established a God-centered understanding for everything I do. I feel prepared to face the unknown mentally and spiritually.
What’s one thing you would want to tell someone starting their journey at Corban?
Embrace your time and take it seriously. Undergrad goes by fast, and it’s up to you to milk every moment for all it’s worth. Get involved in activities with your professors and peers, and build a foundation of people who love and support you.
Who is one professor who had a strong influence on your development? Can you give an example?
Sorry, I can’t list just one. Dr. Tennant was my advisor and professor of many English classes, and she helped me so much with my studies and trajectory as a student. She taught me how to be creative and serve God with my creativity. I’m so thankful to her and admire her passion for empowering students through the arts. In a similar vein, Professor McGinnis has played a major role in shaping my development as a person. She was my professor in several classes, and my director in many theatre productions. She spearheads an amazing drama program and invests personally in the lives of everyone involved in the plays at Corban. Both these women are an inspiration and powerful role models for me and many other students.
How were faith, leadership, and ethics woven into your courses? How did those elements prepare you for life, regardless of where you work?
Faith is at the center of everything we do at Corban. Everything we learn has a purpose, and the entire time I worked on my undergrad I felt God preparing me for the rest of my life. I was taught every day that my work matters and has a purpose beyond what I can see. In my work after Corban, I feel great satisfaction knowing what an important difference I am making, regardless of how prestigious my job may be. I also come to work every day confident that I have the leadership skills and ethics to earn the respect of my colleagues and continue to grow professionally.
Do you have any other current career interests?
I’m also an adjunct professor at Corban, teaching college writing and fundamentals of speech. I love getting to pass down the knowledge that I accrued as a student and share my favorite passions with new students. College was a hugely important time in my life, and I enjoy helping students today experience the same joys I did.