Finding Home Away from Home: Ariel Johnson’s Journey at AU

For many students, choosing a college is about so much more than just academics—it’s about finding a place that feels like home. For Ariel Johnson, a junior interior design major from Plainfield, New Jersey, that home turned out to be right here at Anderson University. But her journey here wasn’t exactly conventional. In fact, it started with just a simple Google search.

“I googled Christian universities with good interior design programs, and Anderson was one of the best out of the handful that I found,” Ariel shared. “My family had vacationed in Myrtle Beach a couple of times, and I loved the warm weather, so I was excited about the idea of being in the South.”

But moving over 700 miles from home wasn’t exactly a decision that she made lightly. She knew that she wanted a small-school feel and, more importantly, a strong Christ-centered community where she knew she could grow and be poured into. She prayed about it a lot, seeking God’s guidance, and ultimately felt confident that He was clearly leading her to AU. Now, looking back, she knows it was the one of the best decisions she ever made!

Coming from a big city, Ariel was immediately drawn to AU’s calming atmosphere. “I loved the quiet, small-town vibes,” she said. “It felt peaceful, and I liked that it was a place where I could really get to know people.”

Finding a tight knit community was important to her, and she wasted no time getting involved. She serves in the kids’ ministry at Upstate Church, plays intramural sports, and works as an office assistant and mentor at the David Larson McPhillips Center for Student Success. Through these experiences, she has met people who have become like family—people who have made being far from home not just bearable, but joyful.

One of the most valuable lessons she’s learned at AU is the importance of intentionality in relationships. “Being intentional about fostering deeper connections with people—not just surface-level relationships—has been so huge for me,” she said. “I see this modeled so well by AU’s professors and administration. You can always tell that they really want to get to know you.”

Ariel has always loved creating spaces that feel warm and inviting. Even as a child, she would reorganize and redecorate her home, finding joy and comfort in transforming spaces. It became her escape—her form of therapy. When it came time to choose a major, she knew she wanted to pursue something she was passionate about, so she committed to interior design from the start.

Last summer, she had the opportunity to bring that passion to life through an internship at Princeton University, where she worked in the interior department. It wasn’t just a desk job—she spent 40 hours a week fully immersed in the field, going on site visits, working on layouts for new offices, and even putting together presentations on dormitory furniture. But what really stuck with her weren’t just the technical skills she gained—it was the people she met along the way.

“I learned the importance of being kind to everyone in the workplace, especially sales representatives,” she shared. “The connections you build matter just as much as the work you do.” The internship challenged her to step outside her comfort zone, sharpen her communication skills, and collaborate in ways she hadn’t before. One of her favorite moments came when she visited a building renovation site on campus, watching as an old space was being transformed into something new. It was a full-circle moment when she later saw the finished project featured in the March edition of Interior Design Magazine—proof that her work, and the work of those around her, was making a real impact.

Looking back, Ariel sees the internship as more than just a line on her résumé. It was a season of growth, of stepping into the real world of design and discovering not only what she’s capable of, but also what truly excites her about it. “It was such an amazing experience,” she said. “I left feeling more confident, more inspired, and even more sure that I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”

Even though she knew the coursework would be rigorous pursuing an interior design degree,  she was excited to begin pursuing her dream career and has found all the hard work to be incredibly rewarding. She’s grateful for professors like Sarah Owens, who made her feel valued beyond just being a student. “Professor Owens was the sweetest,” Ariel said. “She made her classroom a place where students felt comfortable being themselves.” Even now, after no longer having her as a professor, Ariel still stops by her classroom quite often to visit and stay in touch.

She’s also been impacted by James Hanson, her freshman-year Bible professor. “Even though I only had his class for one year, he still remembers my name and always makes sure to say hello when he sees me around campus.” It’s little things like this that have made AU feel like home.

Between school, work, church, and personal time, Ariel has had to learn how to balance it all. It wasn’t easy at first, but she’s found that taking time for herself is just as important as working hard. “Academics are important, but you also have to take care of yourself,” she said. “I’ve found that when I push myself too hard, I burn out. But when I carve out time in my week to recharge—whether that’s hanging out with friends, watching a thriller movie, or going on a long drive—I actually do better in school.”

One of her favorite AU traditions is the Homecoming Dance. “I just love dancing, dressing up, and having a good time with friends,” she said. She also loves the spontaneous events around campus, like pop-ups and Take 5s, which bring small moments of joy to everyday student life.

As Ariel looks toward her senior year and beyond, her goals are simple but meaningful. She desires to continue to meet and foster deep friendships with more people. She also wants to continue growing in her faith and to become more bold in her faith, making sure that everyone who sees her will see Jesus’ heart reflected in the way she lives and loves those around her. After graduation, she plans to move back home to work in New York or New Jersey, but she knows the lessons she’s learned at AU will stay with her forever.

“Anderson has prepared me in every way—physically, mentally, and spiritually,” she said. “I’ve grown in my communication skills, problem-solving, and professionalism, which will be so helpful in my career. But more than that, I’ve learned the importance of truly being there for people.”

For students who are considering coming to AU but feel nervous about moving so far away from home, Ariel has this encouragement just for you: “Trust God’s plan and trust the process. If He’s leading you here, He has a reason. I knew absolutely no one when I came here—not a single person in the whole state, much less in the south. But God has used my time here to teach me so much and shape me into who I am today. I’ve met people who have become like family. It will be okay, and it will be so worth it.”

When asked what advice she would give to incoming students, Ariel’s response was simply put but powerful: “Yes, focus on your studies, but also make sure to have fun! Be confident in yourself and be open-minded. We’re all constantly growing and changing, and that’s a good thing. Don’t isolate yourself—get plugged in, get involved, and make the most of your time here because in what feels like just the blink of an eye, four years will have flown by!”

If she had to sum up her AU experience in three words, she’d choose growth, community, and value—three things she’s found in abundance during her time here. And if there’s one thing she hopes students take away from her story, it’s this: if you step out in faith, you might just find a home in the most unexpected places.

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*Featured testimonials and student success stories reflect the experiences of individual students. These stories may not be indicative of the experience for all students. Employment outcomes and job titles are not guaranteed, and results may vary based on individual circumstances, job market conditions, and other factors.  

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**If you would like to support Ariel and other students in the School of Interior Design, consider giving during A Day on April 3, 2025. You can learn more about their A Day cause here.