Student aims to answer call

Foard senior to pursue Christian studies, sees impact on others

By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: June 10, 2009

NEWTON --

Fred T. Foard High School senior Chase Robinson didn't decide what he will do with his life: He feels the decision was made for him.

"I plan to major in Christian studies," he said. "I was not my decision. I felt a call."

Robinson, 18, will attend Gardner-Webb University in the fall. He picked the school for its atmosphere, location, small class sizes and its Christian affiliation. Robinson said he's always wanted to do something in the ministry. He hopes he will figure that out while at college.

While at Foard High School, Robinson's been active. He's been on the basketball team, playing every position there is.

"I went in when someone went down," is how he cheerfully puts it.

He also played receiver and defensive back on the school's football team. Robinson also was in the Service, Outreach and Prayer club, and was selected as the student of the month during the school year and student of the year.

"Every month, a student is selected as a student of the month for a different character trait, and his was for respect," said Carrie Carter, a counselor at Fred T. Foard High School. "At the end of the year, those students are voted on for the student of the year, and Chase won."

Robinson said he's enjoyed almost everything about high school, particularly sports and clubs.

"It's been fun to see the way God's moved through the school," he said. "For Bible club last year, we handed out 400 Bibles during lunch, and I see them everywhere now. I saw one the other day up the road where I got my hair cut."

Robinson said he's learned he's had an impact on students while he's been at Foard High School.

"Last year, two different guys on the football team came up to me and asked me about accepting Jesus into their hearts," he said. "You never know if what you do will have an effect on people."

He said he might want to go into missionary work after college.

"I think being a missionary would be fun," Robinson said. "I've gone on mission trips to Baltimore, New Orleans and Atlanta, and next summer, I'll be going to Haiti. This summer I'm going to Ohio."

For now, though, Robinson is focusing on heading to college in a new city and attending Christian studies classes.

"It's the field that I want to be in. I think it will be interesting to learn," he said.