The Simpson University Experience - Rondoe Taylor
"The professors were passionate about my education and reestablishing how I thought about the Bible and God in a way that affected my relationship with Christ in a deeper and more intimate way. They opened my eyes to a better understanding of how to dig deeper into the context of the biblical authors and the implications behind why they wrote what they wrote."
— Rondoe Taylor, pastoral studies major, class of 2016
When Simpson University alumnus Rondoe Taylor (’16) decided to major in Pastoral Studies, he knew he had found a degree that combined his interests in community development and social work with a career he was passionate about.
“I am doing what God has called me to do, and I am following my heart,” the San Francisco, Calif., native said. “I am doing something that gives me a sense of joy and fulfillment.”
Rondoe said his professors at Simpson were influential in helping him decide to pursue his ministry degree.
“They were passionate about my education and reestablishing how I thought about the Bible and God in a way that affected my relationship with Christ in a deeper and more intimate way,” he said. “They opened my eyes to a better understanding of how to dig deeper into the context of the biblical authors and the implications behind why they wrote what they wrote.”
Rondoe’s classes and experiences with leading worship during chapel and being involved in Residence Life have helped prepare him for his future career.
“I learned what it’s like to work with many types of people and see how to function together even if it seems impossible,” he said. “I also learned that what I am doing affects more than just me. I am a representative and ambassador of the kingdom of God.”
Rondoe decided to attend Simpson after visiting campus a week before the fall semester of his freshman year started.
“Simpson felt like the right place because of the atmosphere of hospitality, the size of the classes, and the small environment,” he said. “The people I met were really friendly and kind and very proactive in getting me into Simpson University programs.”
After graduating in April 2016, Rondoe went to Eastern Europe through WorldSERVE, Simpson’s student missions program. After returning to the States, he started working with a children’s program. He plans on attending graduate school in order to pursue his Master of Divinity and potentially a master’s degree in either social work or marriage and family therapy.
Based on his positive experience, Rondoe said he would encourage others to come to Simpson.
“My time at Simpson has shaped me into a better individual in terms of growing in my faith and challenging myself to explore more about who I am as a child of God and how to carry the light of Christ into non-church areas,” he said. “Simpson has a good sense of community and fellowship that I will carry after I graduate.”
Rondoe had the following advice to offer incoming students.
“Take the time to really explore Simpson University, who you are, and how you can grow as an individual, in your walk with God, and in community with other people,” he said. “Explore what God has for you. Explore who you are as a person. Explore your talents, your strengths, your weaknesses and see where God is trying to put you and what mission God is calling you into.”
In order to offset the cost of college, Rondoe received several scholarships and said he is grateful for the support from donors that enabled him to attend Simpson for four years.
“Your generous contributions to my Simpson education enabled me to be the first individual in my entire family to graduate from college,” he said. “I get to see the dreams of God in my life come into alignment and fulfillment; and for that I am truly grateful.”
