Dear PLNU students, faculty and staff,
Four years ago, I found myself standing on the Alumni Lawn at Point Loma Nazarene University, the salty ocean breeze cascading through my hair. I held in my hands a folder that asked the question: “Who are you called to be?” I stared out at the waves, asking myself that very same question. As I waited for my tour of campus to begin, I wondered if I would find the answer to that question right here.
Little did I know that day would change the entire trajectory of my life.
Walking around campus, I absolutely fell in love with PLNU, and I felt God whisper to me that this was the school I would one day attend. I didn’t know why it had to be PLNU, only that it did. So I prayed and I prayed, asking for God to make a way — and he did.
I was recently looking back at my pictures from that very first time I set foot onto campus, and I came across one from my view of the Alumni Lawn. I remember taking it because I had been captivated by the ocean’s gorgeous shade of blue that day. But looking at that photo now, that isn’t what stands out to me at all. All I can see is the dorm hall I’m sitting in right now, writing out this letter as the 2026-27 editor-in-chief of The Point.
While I was praying for God to provide a way to PLNU, he saw the bigger picture. When all I saw was a crappy picture of the ocean I took on my iPhone 8, he saw the dorm I would spend my last year at Loma in. He saw the person I was called to be, and every moment along the way that would get me there.
What a gift that is.
So why am I sharing all this with you, the student body? Because I want you to know just how much this school means to me.
As I step into my new position as editor-in-chief, I want you to know that I will handle every single story, every interview and every aspect of this campus with the time and care that it deserves. This school has meant so much to me, and it’s an honor to give back to it in this way.
The Point’s goal has always been to inform, educate and bring light to issues on campus — both celebrating our school and promoting accountability when called for. I promise to continue that, being a kind, fair and accurate journalist. And as a Christian, I promise to uphold the values that make this school the beautiful place that it is.
This year, you can expect to find stories that don’t beat around the bush. We will hold people accountable, report on difficult topics and share in both the highs and lows of our university together. We will do all this by practicing ethical, honorable journalism.
Behind lomabeat.com and our print newspaper is an incredible team of writers and editors who ensure that these ethics are upheld and that truth is brought to light week after week. My incredible co-editor-in-chief, Zoey Peters, will be by my side every step of the way, guaranteeing that every article is ready for our readers.
So, welcome to The Point. This is your home. This is where you can share your stories, your experiences, your complaints and everything else in between. Maybe this is the place where, like me, you’ll find who you’re called to be. We’re so glad you’re here.
With love,
Grace Chaves
Olivia Roberts 
Cade Michaelson