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 a graduate student at the UW studying chemistry. I was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in NJ, and went to school in Houston. I would like to be a professor in the future. I am a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament here in Seattle.
Where are your favorite spots on or near campus to study? Get coffee? With the best views?
I enjoy the U Village as a spot to grab food or hang out with friends. Evolutionary Grounds in the Life Sciences Building has easy and quick access to coffee without the long line like the HUB.
How has being in college challenged your faith?
Being in college challenged me to learn my faith intellectually and to incorporate it into my life. I was challenged to make Jesus the center of my life. In Houston, I met people who were willing to talk about their faith and fluent in it as well. I learned a lot from those friends and from the ways that they challenged me. I've been especially challenged in learning more about what exactly the Church is and what that means for our lives.
Graduate school has been a challenge of upholding my beliefs in the midst of indifference. I've also been challenged to not conform to the ways that others may act around me and to hold God close to my heart in every moment. It's very easy to slip into a worldly mindset and way of life, which has been the most challenging aspect of grad school so far.
How do you hope to grow as a disciple of Jesus by the time you graduate college?
By the time I earn my PhD, I hope to be a missionary disciple of Jesus. I hope to be able to lead others in the faith around me and to bring the love of Christ to my peers. Additionally, I'm hoping to learn how to pray constantly, framing my work and life as a prayer to God.
What are the greatest obstacles you see for your spiritual growth on UW campus?
A desire to be liked and conform to others around me. My pride has been an obstacle throughout my life and it continues to be a problem in my walk with Christ.
How has Sojourn encouraged you in your faith through your time in college thus far?
Meeting with Isaac has been evidence of God's faithfulness as He has answered prayers and brought things to light through our relationship. Additionally, I am encouraged by the fact that I'm not alone as a follower of Christ in my department. A Bible study with my peers has been a good source of spiritual consolation.
