Miya Shimada, Crane Scholar, Junior Cohort

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1). I’ve been part of several faith-centered cohort programs at Baylor, but nothing compares to the joy of the Cranes trip to Notre Dame, downtown Chicago, and Wheaton College. The crisp fall air, sacramental architecture, and world-class art lifted my thoughts toward God, and the lectures—from Aristotle and Aquinas to AI and folk music—were rich and stimulating. Yet even with such extraordinary beauty and learning, I still sensed that something deeper was making this trip uniquely life-giving.

What ultimately set this experience apart were the people with whom I shared it. The food, fun, fellowship, and learning were wonderful on their own, but it was the shared delight—walking through autumn leaves, exploring beautiful campuses, reflecting on lectures together—that made these moments unforgettable. Even the mundane parts of travel became joyful because of the humility, kindness, and openness of the Cranes community. I thank God for such people with whom I can share fun, food, and fellowship, and I pray that other undergraduates be blessed with the same.

I remain grateful for the ways this community makes learning, beauty, and friendship overflow with joy.