Mission Moment

SangJin Woo is our current Student Body President and is a trailblazer as the first Asian student to serve in this capacity. SangJin has truly brought with him a wealth of global connections, coming to Huntington from Seoul, South Korea. His relationship with the University resulted from his older brother, SangEun, attending HU. Although the familiarity of a family connection was a draw for SangJin, he was also enamored at the prospect of integrating his faith with academics. He viewed his enrollment at HU as an opportunity to genuinely grow his strength, faith, and conviction as a Christian. SangJin also knew as a result of his brother’s experience that the faculty and staff at HU is first-class and focused on building meaningful, Christ-centered relationships with students. In fact, SangJin credits the University with helping him in “experiencing, deconstructing, and exploring” his faith.

SangJin certainly has grown in multiple ways during his time at HU. He shares his most memorable moment being the Frosh Mosh his first year on campus. The event was a complete culture shock for him with loud music and cramped space. As he reflects on that experience, he joyfully sees how he now is helping to plan some campus-wide events as the Student Body President. His growth and experiences have nearly come full circle…from experiencing initial culture shock to serving as a leader.

SangJin also has a desire to help others appreciate the wonder and benefits of diversity. In fact, he offers the following advice to other students, “The world is bigger than what you think. The more open you are to the world, the more you will be able to see and appreciate the world.” He also offers a bit of insight to faculty and staff, sharing, “A word or a phrase you use with a student can change the future for a student.” HU is serving SangJin well, and he is now returning the favor. SangJin is a clear example of how our University is fulling its mission of serving Christ through Scholarship and Service.

Posted By: Russ Degitz