Beth Tabor

Beth Tabor

20 questionsName: Beth Tabor.
Title: Associate Dean, Residence Life.
Education: BA, Psychology, Biola University; MS, Christian Counseling, Philadelphia Biblical University.
At Biola since: 2003.
StrengthsFinder top five? Woo, Strategic, Learner, Communication, Connectedness.

1. What do you do in your job (briefly)?  I oversee Residence Life and Housing. Help manage and care for the RD team. Collaborate with the Deans. Meet with students. Manage the Student Care process. Have lots of meetings!

2. The five (or so) most influential books you've read:

  • Living Above the Level of Mediocrity by Charles Swindoll
  • The Four Loves by CS Lewis
  • Hearing God by Peter Lord
  • Till We Have Faces by CS Lewis
  • Christy by Catherine Marshall

3. An influential person in your life/hero/best example of love?  I would have to say that my family have all taken turns being great examples of love.  They have saved me, humbled me, loved me, and corrected me.

4. Why are you at Biola? I believe in Biola.  I love the mission of equipping students in both mind and character to impact the world for Jesus.  That is something I can put my whole self behind.  

5. Can you share your testimony in 200 words or less? I was converted at the age of 5 when I prayed and asked Jesus into my heart. I did this with both of my parents. However, I believe my rededication at the age of 13 was more significant in my ownership of my relationship with Christ. I felt convicted at winter camp and submitted again to being a follower of Jesus. I am so grateful I was separated from my friends (for talking) during the session – so I would listen and hear both the speaker and ultimately the Holy Spirit. I believe this was a critical point in my life and that God intervened at a time when I needed to be grounded before entering high school. It has made all the difference.

6. If God put you completely in charge of creating Heaven, what would it be like? Well, I am simply not as creative as our God. So, I would probably just copy him or have something like 2 Yosemites. There would be a lot of outdoor areas - green fields that go on for miles. We would have lots of time to walk and talk with people. Enjoy being, listening. Honestly – I will happily settle with the earth and humans restored to Eden, without our groaning. I am overwhelmed at that thought.

7. What is the most difficult choice you’ve ever had to make? What made it difficult? What factors helped you make that choice? I think moving away from my family and friends to go to Philadelphia.  I wanted to live in another part of the country, work and go to school.  I thought it would be a fun risk and change of pace.  But, I was scared of the unknown and even more scared of the loneliness I knew I would face.  I think I was able to make the choice because people supported me. And, I knew it was a good risk to take.  

8. What are five things you are most thankful for in your life right now?

  • My husband,Todd.
  • A family that is deeply loving.
  • Having good conversations with friends.
  • Doing meaningful work & truly enjoying the people I work with.
  • Doing home projects and gardening.

9. What job do you fantasize about having? I fantasize about working part time. ☺ Actually, I often find myself thinking about living on a farm, making homemade food, being in the great outdoors, driving a tractor, etc. But, I know it is tons of work – but in my fantasy, it is lovely. If not living on a farm, my dream would be just to meet with people and talk about what matters in their lives…that would be a great job.

10. Last book you read? “Letters to Malcolm” by C.S. Lewis

11. Which fictional character do you most resemble? I don’t know about whom I most resemble – but I have two that I would like to resemble. I like the strength, honesty, risk, fun, whimsy, and devotion to others that Jo in “Little Women” and Elizabeth in “Pride and Prejudice” display in their character.

12. What’s your ringtone? I have two – one for my husband and one for everyone else. They are both generic and came with the phone.

13. Favorite electronic device? My ipad.

14. What do your friends say is your best quality? I actually asked because I was unsure of what they would say and needed the reminding of who I am. So, they said that my ability to listen and process with someone, paired with an ability to discern and speak the truth in love. I am grateful to have that reflected to me because I value receiving that from others as well.

15. What natural talent do you wish you had? I would like to be a great dancer. I am hoping God will bestow me with this gift in heaven.

16. What is your life theme song? This is so hard! Music means so much to me – I think it changes based on life stage. So, I reserve the right to change this. But, for now, “Loving a Person” by Sara Groves.

19. Do you believe in love at first sight? No. I believe in attraction and even chemistry at first sight. But, love is deep, long-suffering, committed, and not selfish. I don’t believe anyone is really ready and willing to offer this to another person on first sight. Chemistry is the drug that helps move us toward loving – but it isn’t love.

20. Do you think it is possible to live with no regrets? No. I think we are sinful and fallen. I think mistakes are a necessary part of life.If we try to live with no regrets (which was my motto for awhile), I think we tend to try to perfect our lives without God. So, I don’t say that is my goal anymore.

21. What is your definition of success? Do you consider yourself to be successful? I think knowing God and honoring Him above all is success. I believe we do this by being fully who God has created us to be as well as giving and receiving love from others. In some regard, I think I am successful. But, it others ways, I am totally aware of selfishness, self-protection and fear that keep me from living boldly and trusting God’s voice.

22. How much is your self-worth and identity determined by your job and your success at it? Honestly, I don’t know.  Sometimes I think it is in its right place.  Other times, I care a great deal about doing really well and not letting anyone down.  I am still trying to figure out what it looks like to want to do well, pour yourself into something, and only take from it what is good.  I think it is a lifelong journey.

23. What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? That is hard.  I think I am going to choose something between entering the Yosemite Valley, looking out the window of a plane and seeing the sunset with a layer of clouds below you, and lastly looking at one of my nieces or nephews at birth.

24. In what areas of your life is it most difficult to trust God? My future and the unknown.  It is sooo hard to believe at these moments that He will do good to me and that I will be able to handle whatever comes.  I often doubt both He and myself in our ability to handle what is unknown.