Share a little bit with us about who you are. Where are you from? What do you like to do for fun? What do you aspire toward in life? Tell us anything you’d like to share about your life:
I'm from central Washington. I'm a first year student at UW, and I enjoy reading, baking, hiking, exploring, and playing music whenever I get the chance.
My current plan is to double major in Psychology, and Law, Societies and Justice (LSJ), but that could change in the future.
Where are your favorite spots on or near campus to study? Get coffee? With the best views?
The bookstore in the bottom of the HUB is nice because it's really quiet and they always have discount books if you want to distract yourself from homework. Byrek and Baguette on the Ave is another good spot. It's a very laid-back cafe decorated with live plants, and all of them are for sale!
How has being in college challenged your faith?
Being in college has forced me to make more time to study the Bible on my own time. I went to a Christian high school, so if I didn't do my devotions in the morning, I could justify it to myself because I had Bible classes throughout the day. But here, if I don't schedule myself time to pray and do devotions, it doesn't happen, so I have to be very intentional.
I also have to intentionally pursue new relationships because I don't have the built-in support system here that I had back home, so I balance making new friendships with maintaining old ones.
How do you hope to grow as a disciple of Jesus by the time you graduate college?
My desire is to live in a way that proclaims Christ and his work in my life. I hope to be a light to those around me, and ideally, lead them to Jesus through my actions and relationship with God.
What are the greatest obstacles you see for your spiritual growth on UW campus?
Time! I never seem to have enough time in a day, and I have to be very intentional about how I spend my time and who I spend it with. I tend to overcommit and end up drained before the day is over, which unfortunately makes me less eager to spend time with God.
How has Sojourn encouraged you in your faith through your time in college thus far?
I love having friends and mentors who are outside my college friend group. It gives me a place to talk and think outside of where I spend most of my time, plus the leaders are super kind and inviting! Small group time is such a nice break in my day.
