Year: Senior
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Fishers, Indiana
Q: What led you to Nelson University?
I knew I wanted to go to a Christian college to get my education and develop as an adult individual. Nelson was compelling because of its identity with the Assemblies of God and its Pentecostal beliefs. Ultimately, I chose to go here because it is where I felt the Spirit lead me, and I have never regretted it. The culture of this university has shaped me into who I am today and taught me what it means to be on Mission for Jesus.
Q: What have you been involved in on campus?
During my time at Nelson, my main involvement has been with the Student Missions Association. I joined initially because I was looking for a purpose and for the community, and that is exactly what I found. Being in SMA taught me what the greatest commandment really means, “to love God and love others as yourself.” Through SMA, I’ve had the opportunity to learn and grow in ministry while being a student, and God has opened doors for me to plant seeds in the hearts of people in Waxahachie, Dallas, and countries much farther away. The people I’ve served have taught me what God-centered friendship looks like and are my closest friends.
Q: What aspects of campus life have you enjoyed the most?
I love going to a small school filled with friendly and familiar faces. The community I’ve found at Nelson has played a major role in pushing me toward God, developing who I am, and getting me through really tough times. I am incredibly blessed to be on a campus where people genuinely care about me, including students, professors, and staff.
Q: How has your experience been with your major’s department?
I am so grateful to be getting a Social Work degree from a university that teaches social justice and welfare from a biblical perspective. My professors share their wealth of knowledge and experience, which provide various perspectives for any field of social work. They are also intentional about being available for assistance outside of the classroom.
Q: Have you had any professors who have positively influenced you during your time here?
Yes! While I have learned so much from all of my professors about the subjects they teach and their spiritual wisdom, but none have impacted me the way Professor Rachelle Rial and Rennae de Freitas have. These two professors have gone out of their way to disciple and care for me beyond their assigned duties. I look to them as mentors and spiritual mothers. They play a key role in Nelson feeling like home.
Q: What drew you to your area of study? What professional aspirations and goals do you have for the future?
To love others the way God loves means to love the whole individual, which includes mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals wholistically, the way we are called to as the Church. I want to work against human trafficking as a missionary someday and show people who have only seen the darkness of this world what the light of Jesus is. A big portion of that is showing victims the wholistic love of God.
Q: How do you feel that your time at Nelson is preparing you for life after college?
Nelson has been a great place to learn how to be an adult and start my life in a safe environment. This is where I set the foundation of my life on God, which will impact the rest of the decisions I make. Nelson was also my introduction to life in ministry. I am much more prepared to enter full-time ministry after learning from the experienced faculty around me and serving in SMA.
Q: How has your faith impacted the way you view your education and the personal goals you set for yourself?
Without God, I wouldn’t be the person I am today or have the same career and educational goals. It is the love of Jesus that compels me to pursue my education so I can have a career dedicated to loving other people. I view my studies as a form of worship to God rather than a boring task I just have to accomplish, which changes my approach entirely.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Embrace all of it! SAGU has so much to offer and so many opportunities, but you have to put yourself out there to experience it. Let the Spirit guide you to new things and growing experiences. More than anything else, Trust Him always.
Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university situated just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Established in 1927, Nelson University now offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson University prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.
