Cedars, February 2018

by Tayana Fowler Z achary Krauss has always felt the importance of developing and maintaining personal friendships that are based on his love for the Lord. Krauss, a triple major, is studying phar- macy, molecular and cellular biology, and music. At first glance, pharmacy and biology degrees seem completely unrelated to mu- sic. But Krauss’ long term-plan is to have a career in music therapy, so it makes sense. Originally, his plan was to work in pe- diatric medicine, but during his first visit to Cedarville, Dr. Charles Clevenger, Ce- darville’s retired senior professor of mu- sic, suggested that Krauss double major in pharmacy and music. Krauss, a piano play- er since kindergarten, declared his double major freshman year, and added biology later. His sophomore year, Krauss had a course that required a semester-long proj- ect, which he used to research music thera- py. His work on the project showed him this was a way he could blend his two majors to- gether for a career. It provided a new sense of clarity for Krauss. This clarity helped with his new en- gaged and active school life; Krauss grew up homeschooled, with piano as his main extracurricular. But at Cedarville he partic- ipates in multiple organizations. He serves as the Undergraduate Liaison of the Stu- dent National Pharmacist Association, he is a mentor in the Honors org, and he also writes for Cedars. He is also a member of: • The Chemistry Club • Students for Life • The Studio • The Biology Club • American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists • Student College of Clinical Phar- macy • The Psychology organization • The Swim Club • Ayo, the dance org He said that his participation in these organizations and other community out- reaches has reminded him to do everything for a greater purpose. “So, when I’m doing my schoolwork, it’s no longer like I’m proving someone wrong,” Krauss said. “It’s more like I’m proving Christ right as I continue through my work.” A large part of Krauss’s personality is rooted in his deep love for people. “I’m a people-person,” he said. “I try my best to make an impact on people, whether it be small or big. Just through my friendships and through my random con- nections with people. A lot of times I won’t talk to people for very much, I’ll just meet them once or twice, and I try to remember people’s names and just be kind.” Allie Eybers, a freshman student, had Krauss as her “Sting Group” leader at the beginning of the year. Sting Group leaders introduce small groups of incoming fresh- man to Cedarville life, and help them navi- gate orientation. “He was very genuine and wanted to truly get to know the freshman students,” Eybers said. His desire to love people well floods all areas of his life, whether that be his career or his involvement on campus. He has a de- sire to share the Gospel through everything he does, even if it will be difficult. “Specifically in my area [of pharmacy,] under music therapy, it’s definitely a field where it’s difficult to spread the gospel,” he said. “But, it’s also definitely an area where you can shine as a light for the Gospel. A lot of times, in counseling, it’s going to be one- on-one interactions, or maybe a family.” Krauss explained how this one-on-one time was the perfect opportunity to share the Gospel, perhaps not through direct us- age of Scripture and the Gospel, but through his genuine love for people that is rooted in Christ. His love for humanity extends from the people he hopes to counsel, to the unborn. Krauss is very active with Students for Life, the pro-life org on campus. “I definitely think that it’s important for students here to understand the value, not only of themselves having views for life, but of understanding how to explain it to other people,” Krauss said. “Because a lot of times it can come off as insensitive to talk to people about issues like that. And Students for Life does a really good job of explaining it in a loving, Christian way.” Yet Krauss does not let his involvement in campus and community outreach dis- tract from his education. Natalia Kirychuk, a close friend of Krauss, said, “He is such a hard worker. No- body really realizes how much he has on his plate, how well he divides up his time, and how he still takes the time to develop such deep relationships with so many different people, when he has so much schoolwork.” Kirychuk described Krauss as intention- al and selfless, but very mature in his time management. “I can always see that the next day is going to be in God’s hands, that He’s going to sustain me through it,” Krauss said. I can find the strength through Christ every single day to keep going.” Zachary Krauss steps into each day with the goal to love others, even through his busy and hectic schedule. His love for, and faith in, God gives him the ability to do so, even while balancing the activities of day-to-day life. Tayana Fowler is a freshman broadcasting and digital media major and an arts and entertainment writer for Cedars. She en- joys everything related to words, whether that’s a well-written novel, a lyrically good song, or a great movie script. February 2018 16 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Zachary Krauss: Medical and Musical Photo by Lauren Jacobs While dedicating his time and energy to three majors and numerous organizations, Zach Krauss still finds time to invest in personal relationships.