“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration, “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11.) Time and time again, my mom has faithfully spoken this verse over me.
My story with Anderson University began in the summer of 2018. Over the summer, I chose to attend Cross- roads Summer Camp. Little did I know how significant this choice would become in my life. From the moment
I first stepped foot onto this campus, I knew it was special. But I had no idea how true this was until June 25, 2018. On this day, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ in the Rainey Fine Arts Center. Two days later, I took my second step of faith in obedience. I was baptized in the fountain in front of the Thrift Library. Before I even became a part of Anderson University, undoubtedly it became a significant part of my life and story. Ever since that day, I have felt God calling me here. God’s peace, presence and pulling has saturated every part of me and this campus. I knew Anderson University was going to become my second home.
Being able to attend Anderson University today is a tangible reminder of God’s mercy, faithfulness and love in my life. For most
of my life, college was not an option for me. I remember during my junior year of high school many of my conversations with friends and teachers revolved around college. I often felt like college was only something about which I could talk, dream, or imagine—but being able to attend it was simply not a reality for me.
This was true for me… until the day my whole life changed. The day I was adopted.
For the first time in my life, I was welcomed into a home. I was given a family who loved and encouraged me to work hard and fight for my dreams. They believed in me. And for the first time in my life, I felt like I had a chance at college—a chance at life.
Senior year came quickly, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Anderson, attending a scholarship competition. I had not yet been selected for admission, but I took this step of faith and attended the competition regardless. A week later, I received one of the most important letters of my life. Opening my mailbox, I pulled out a big, black envelope with gold lettering—I was accepted! Although I was bubbling with joy inside, I simultaneously felt a weight of heaviness and doubt. I knew financially it was impossible to accept Anderson’s offer.
But this was not the end of God’s mercy in my life. Just a few months later I received another life-changing notification.
By God’s grace and to my amazement, I was honored to receive the “Connect: Diversity Leadership Scholarship.”
Anderson University has made it possible for me to continue my education and pursue a life and career I have always desired. Anderson’s atmo- sphere has encouraged me to work hard as if I am working for the Lord. I have loved learning more than ever. I never imagined how much my professors would so happily and willingly help me through my freshman year. Each one of my professors has sacrificed their time for me either after class, over phone calls, or through emails. I was amazed by how much they truly care—not only about how I am doing academically, but more importantly, spiritually.
Anderson University has allowed me to build deep relationships on campus. This is something very valuable and unique. As I am being discipled by my BCM community group and through my 1:8 Community Church, I have learned more about God’s character, love and my identity, as I am being empowered and equipped to share the gospel and live out my faith.
My heart is to be a nurse. And to do so through Anderson University. I believe in Anderson University’s mission. My goal in becoming a nurse is to be able to reach the lost, sick and broken in my community by sharing the love
and healing power of God. Anderson University has already begun preparing and equipping me for this purpose. Every class, subject, and school event I partake in, is saturated with the truth and love of the Gospel. Anderson has taught me to pursue life with open hands. I have learned to be open to wherever God is calling me, and to one day be a nurse in whatever community, hospital, or country He calls me to. Today I can rest assured that God truly has a plan and purpose for my life, and Anderson University is truly playing a significant part of this journey.
Ruth Urbina is an AU student and a recipient of the Diversity & Inclusion Leaders Scholarship.