I guess I can admit it now: I followed a boy to AU—but that’s a story for another day. The point is, I came to AU with no direction and the dreaded “undecided” label. After a semester of electives, a suitemate talked me into taking a drawing class—my first art class since 7th grade.

To say I was rusty is an understatement. I was unprepared. But I worked hard to catch up. After every critique, I would find a blue sticky note. Written in pencil, edge to edge, were words of encouragement and correction. Those notes motivated me to work harder and see what I was capable of.

Toward the end of the semester, I was called to my professor’s office. It was a small space—just big enough for him to sit on one side of a large desk and for me to join him on the other. Even with the door open to the hallway, I was immediately intimidated by the closeness of the room and the quiet presence of my soft-spoken professor, who had guided me all semester with those same encouraging notes.

He explained that to stay on track to graduate in four years, I needed to pick a major. Then he asked me, point blank: What’s it going to be?

I realized he was waiting for me to choose—right then, in that moment. Embarrassed, I asked what my options were. He rattled off the art degree paths available at AU in 2001. I chose graphic design.

I know now that I needed that moment. I needed the push to make a decision. I needed the direction. I needed Professor Peter Kaniaris to guide and encourage me into my future.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Fast forward to 2012. I had married the boy I followed to AU, and we were both on staff there—full circle. God’s plans are so beautiful. We just can’t write them ourselves.

It was late summer, and I was walking between Merritt and Denmark when I saw Professor Kaniaris on the sidewalk. I was so excited to talk to him. I word-vomited this same story to him and ended with, “You are why I am here!”

He paused and said, “Shelli, I don’t remember that.”

I didn’t miss a beat. I wasn’t discouraged. “Of course not,” I said. “You’ve done it millions of times before.”

I thanked him again, and we went on our way.

When I heard of his passing this morning, I couldn’t help but think: He is the reason I am here. He is the reason so many artists found their way. I am incredibly grateful for the direction he gave me and so many others throughout his career. He walked faithfully in the gift the Lord gave him, and because of that, his impact cannot be measured.