After graduating from UC Berkeley in May, the Lord has called me to stay in the Bay Area and serve the students at San Jose State University! California is in great need of the Gospel, so I’m honored and humbled to be serving in my home state for mission!

I was blessed to grow up in a devout Catholic family and went to Catholic schools from K-12. It was through this that Jesus was slowly preparing my heart for mission, though I didn’t know it at the time. Born with a heart defect and having to face suffering at an early age, the faith became a constant in my life in times of uncertainty. But, even though I knew a lot about Catholicism and played active roles in my parish and school communities, I was often going through the motions and did not go out of my way to have a deep personal relationship with Jesus. It was only in the midst of an upcoming doctors appointment or an exam at school that I would spend intentional time in prayer.

I decided to attend UC Berkeley (go bears!), and it was in this most surprising of places where I fell deeply in love with Jesus and began to pursue an intentional relationship with Him. It was the first time in my life where I wasn’t surrounded by Catholicism on the daily, and had to actively choose to live out my faith. With the Lord’s providence, I was joyfully pursued as a freshman by a FOCUS missionary at the Newman center and was introduced to a life of daily prayer, sacraments, and community. Walking closely alongside her and my best friend, I was overwhelmed at the depths of Jesus’ love for me. I began to get more involved with FOCUS bible studies, discipleship, and mission trips, and experienced deep joy leading groups of my own. I began to see that my true identity lied in being a beloved daughter, not in my academics, roles, or sufferings I had endured.

Surrendering more and more of my life to the Lord has given me an unexplainable joy. In making Jesus the center of my life, my heart is full with a deep gratitude for the ways He has revealed Himself to me. Jesus knows the depths of my heart and His love is the root of all joy. I’m so excited to share this joy with students and help them encounter the One who loves them most.

It is a great honor to share in Jesus’ great commission to go and make disciples. When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me through this mission. Your kindness and generosity allows me to serve the students at San Jose State. This mission would not be possible without you! If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know of the best way to reach you and I will schedule an appointment. I’d be honored to share this mission with you! You can reach me at (916) 586-0283 or at [email protected]. God bless!

“Some go by giving and others give by going. Without both, there is no mission.” – St. Mother Teresa