After serving a semester at the University of Northern Colorado (sko bears), I am now called to serve at Middle Tennessee State University! Go Blue Raiders!!!

Growing up, I desired many things… friends, happiness, and fun—all of which were rooted in this deep desire to be loved. To fill this desire myself, I would grasp at the places I had put my identity in, the opinions others had of me, academics, and athletics, which satisfied me but could never satisfy the longing of my heart.

When I got to college, I practiced my faith under my conditions. Praying when I needed to and going to Sunday Mass when I felt like it. When I would pray or attend Mass growing up, it always felt like I was going through the motions. It never meant anything to me personally.

In my second year at the University of Northern Colorado, I met a missionary, Olivia, volunteering to help run a golf tournament for our campus ministry. She invited me to her Bible study and coffee, which I wanted to go. She kept inviting me, and because I loved being friends with her, I kept saying yes. We ended up helping one of her teammates move in, celebrating my birthday at Bible study, and having a regular stretching routine in the morning. My yes’ slowly turned into larger ones, like entering discipleship, praying holy hours, going to Adoration, and returning to the Sacraments.

Olivia and I at the golf tournament where we met for the first time!

By living as a disciple of Jesus through the four habits of a disciple (Acts 2:42), not only was the deepest desire of my heart being fulfilled, but it was overflowing! It finally clicked that I’m loved by the one who made my heart – God! From the start of existence, He has made me His daughter. From this understanding, my beliefs about who I was and the purpose of my life changed. My actions followed, which led to me experiencing more freedom and joy than I’d ever had, and I continue to experience this!

It’s due to the Holy Spirit and the dwelling of Jesus in the FOCUS missionary who discipled me that I have a relationship with Jesus. She and many other great women and men, close to my age, have modeled to me what it means to follow Jesus.

Following Jesus has led me to so many wonderful things. One of those is on mission through FOCUS! God has been so generous with me, and I want to be generous back.

“My life is worthless”

“No one loves me”

“I’m all alone”

These are a few of the thoughts that college students have every day… and perhaps these thoughts aren’t new to us too. All of us, especially college students in a crucial time of their lives are wondering what the purpose of our lives is and what are we made for. We were made for a relationship with God from the start of eternity.

“I chose you when I planned creation.” (Ephesians 1:11)

But it is not enough to know of God, but to know Him. If we knew who God is, our loving and merciful Father, the purpose of our lives, and what we all are made for, it would not only make sense, but would bring us no other joy or freedom than anything or anyone else can.

This is where you guys come in. The greatest gift that we could ever receive is knowing that we were made for something more. Made for a relationship with a God who loves us and has saved us from sin and death… AND a God who wants us to live beautiful and meaningful lives as His children.

This is a gift that you can give joining me on mission with FOCUS. One life changed means changed relationships, families, parishes, businesses… The college students today are our future. They desire something more. I want to accompany these students and help them to know that this fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God.

If you are interested in joining this mission, please reach out to me. I would be honored and delighted to share this mission with you!