QUESTIONS
“I just want people to know that it’s okay to question your beliefs, and if what you believe is true, then it will still be true when you’re done with your questioning. And if what you believe is not true, then you’ve just learned something really valuable and beautiful about yourself.”
NEXT STEPS
“When I was staying home with [my daughter], I became actively involved in my church. That was a lot of healing time for me, from the things I was doing before. It took a long time to heal and get my self-confidence back, and… then coming to school just seemed like the next natural step. It’s neat—especially as a nontraditional student, when you’re older—and you realize that you can still go after something that you’re passionate about.”
INSPIRATION
"I was kind of a broken kid at the time, so I wasn’t talkative at all. I was really quiet and to myself and my uncle knew that, but he brought me back here. My aunt and my little cousins were excited to see me with my broken tooth and big black eye.... But I was getting better. They were bringing me back to church, and I was realizing what Jesus had done for me—saved me off the streets, sent my aunt and uncle for me, and I regained that relationship with Him.”
FAITH
“Growing up in a poor family, the opportunity for a college education seemed unattainable. As I was now raising my own children and working to make ends meet, I was fortunate to work and worship with individuals who would become mentors and show me that others’ views of me isn’t what I should believe about myself. Due to my faith and mentors, I haven’t given up on my dream of obtaining a college degree.”