When Sierra Rose (’23) first stepped onto the campus of Colorado Christian University as a freshman, she had her sights set firmly on a future in elementary education. Confident at the time that her calling was to the classroom, not clinics, becoming a family physician was the furthest thing from her mind. But as her semesters at CCU unfolded, Rose’s plans followed suit. God paved a new way, developed new gifts, and helped shape a new dream through what can only be described as “the CCU difference.”
Now a first-year medical student at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), Rose reflects on the transformative impact of CCU’s science and engineering programs on her journey, and the professors who invest in their students far beyond the classroom.
Although Rose has always been a devoted Christian, attending a faith-based university wasn’t initially part of her plan. But CCU offered a unique combination of beauty, mission, and opportunity that she couldn’t ignore.
"Growing up in the Bible Belt, I wasn’t convinced I wanted to attend a Christian college. But I loved the Lord, I wanted to be in the mountains, and when I learned about the World Changers Scholarship, I knew I had to apply."
As Rose returned to campus in the fall that year, her professors noticed her shift in interest. Dr. Julie Schultz, learning of Rose’s new passion, encouraged her to explore CCU’s newest program.
“She said, ‘You should join our new kinesiology program and just see what happens.’ Best advice I ever received!” said Rose.
She enrolled in the program, taking kinesiology classes alongside her education courses and was quickly connected with Dr. Bryan Crutcher, assistant professor of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, who offered to mentor her as she explored a field markedly different from elementary education.
“We met weekly,” said Rose. “And Dr. B (Crutcher) told me, if by the end of the semester you still feel called to be an elementary major, great! I’ve done my job, and you’re walking in the Lord’s will. But if by the end of the semester you’ve determined that you want to join my program, wonderful! I’ve done my job, and you’re walking in the Lord’s will.’”
With the support of CCU faculty mentors like Crutcher, career counseling, and continued reflection, Rose discovered that healthcare revealed itself to be more compatible with her life goals and values. So, she reset her sails and adjusted her career path toward physical therapy, officially joining the kinesiology program.
Adapting to the challenges that come with learning anything new was not easy, but the welcoming and supportive environment found in the School of Science and Engineering made it all possible. The faculty worked diligently to equip Rose with hands-on field skills and experiences she needed and offered unique opportunities to further develop her strengths.
One unforgettable moment that stands out to Rose was the experience of leading her own research study — an opportunity that she never imagined when she first switched from elementary education to kinesiology. Encouraged by Crutcher to pursue her own question, Rose developed a study on the effects of faith-based yoga on stress and coping skills of college-age women. With faculty guidance, she secured Institutional Review Board approval, conducted the study, and published her findings as first author in the International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society.
“That kind of opportunity — being trusted to design, conduct, and publish my own research as an undergrad — I wouldn’t have gotten that anywhere else,” said Rose. She later presented her findings at a national conference hosted by the American Scientific Affiliation, defending her research among fellow Christians in the fields of science. “It was one of those ‘exceedingly, abundantly more’ moments.”
Another such moment (that would prove to be pivotal to her future) came on a mission trip to Guatemala with CCU2theWorld. When a fellow student was minorly injured, Rose, fluent in Spanish, accompanied him to the emergency room. There, a local doctor invited her to shadow his work: reviewing x-rays, learning his stitching techniques, and even assisting with the stitching procedure. This experience was eye-opening and provided a glimpse of where God was continuing to lead and guide.
"It was a crazy series of events, but I walked out of there thinking, ‘I know I’m not going to get to do this in physical therapy."
Still, Rose returned to the States and continued shadowing rural physical therapists as part of her coursework, but the experience in Guatemala stayed with her. Others began to notice the impact that trip had on her as well.
“I was living in Oklahoma at the time doing my internship, and the mentor asked me point blank: ‘Have you ever considered going into medicine?’” recalled Rose. “He said, ‘You’re asking me really diagnostic questions and looking for very clinical information, and I just don’t want you to be remiss if you don’t end up going to medical school.’” As a junior at the time, medical school had not yet been a thought — but it was evident that the seed was planted, and it continued to grow.
Rose prayerfully considered and sought advice on this calling that was now taking shape in her heart, afraid to make yet another change. But with support and guidance from professors like Dr. Mark Parker, dean of the School of Science and Engineering and professor of Biology, a path was rerouted to help Rose seamlessly shift gears toward medical school. Crutcher worked to ensure she completed internships at medical clinics, shadowed doctors, and received other field experiences that applied to her goals.
Today, Rose is a “rural scholar” at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, studying rural healthcare and rural public health, with plans to do family medicine with a fellowship in obstetrics. She remains confident that her experiences at CCU not only prepared her academically for medical school, but with deepening her faith in ways that to continue to sustain her through all aspects of life.
“Looking back on my time at CCU, I realize there was so much intentional programming that was thoughtfully put in my path to promote my flourishing as a believer as well as my career,” said Rose. “I’m so grateful that God did that in my life while I was at CCU, so I could have my eyes opened where I am now. Medical education is not for the faint of heart, and it’s really not for people who don’t know their God.”
Whether engaging with challenging coursework, exploring theological questions in classes with Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Clary, or receiving personal mentorship from science professors who saw her potential, Rose found herself immersed in an education at CCU that integrated faith and learning at every level.
“It wasn’t just about the content,” she shared, “It was about asking, ‘What does Jesus think about this?’” That approach deeply shaped her ability to care for patients with empathy and insight, especially those from diverse backgrounds and worldviews.
In addition, Rose appreciates how her time at CCU transformed her understanding of theology — from fear-based to faith-filled.
"When I first came to CCU, I loved God, but I was afraid to change, but my professors walked me through that fear and showed me how to listen and obey with courage, changing toward God in His direction."
From deep theological conversations to heartfelt mentorship, Rose found herself surrounded by faculty who didn’t just teach — they discipled. “It’s Christ in the academics at CCU that made all the difference,” she said. “That’s incomparable.”