I am a first-year missionary serving at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio! I’m so excited to walk with students in faith and remind them of their dignity as beloved children of the Father.

I was born and raised Catholic. I went to Mass and prayed the Rosary with my family, but what I lacked was an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I didn’t truly know Him as my loving Father but rather a demanding boss that just wanted me to follow a lot of rules, which I did begrudgingly.

It wasn’t until I was enrolled at Northern Michigan University and went to their Catholic Campus Ministry center that I thought I could go any deeper in my faith. This was where I saw for the first time FOCUS missionaries and other people my age who were actually striving for a deeper relationship with Christ. They had something that I didn’t have, and I wanted it. I began to go to Adoration and daily Masses and recognized my heart being transformed and united to Christ’s, and my desire to share the love I found was strengthened. It was here that I learned the truth about who I am: a beloved daughter of God, and who He is: a loving Father whose love is not earned but is a free gift.

The formation that I received set me on fire, and the Holy Spirit filled me with a passion to share Christ’s love in a more intentional way. I recognize the thirst for love that exists in the world, especially on college campuses, and I yearn to share Christ who is love. I decided to be a FOCUS missionary to tell students that their sole identity is a beloved son or daughter of Christ. When they recognize that truth, that is when they will truly be free.

It is you who allow me to be our Savior’s hands and feet. It is through your prayers and financial support that I am able to be on the ground walking with college students in various places in their lives. It’s a pivotal moment to touch, and you are taking part in this mission just as much as I am. We are all called to make disciples of all nations, and through your partnership, you too are impacting this generation of people whom the Lord has entrusted to us. May all the glory be given to God who loves us first, and so we love.