University was some of the best and worst times of my life. 

I took time out of university because of my mental health struggles. I have a lot of friends (too many) and know so many other friends of friends who also took time out of university for their mental health and other stresses. So many people who went through so much pain alongside all of their joy. For all the beautiful opportunities of university life, there can be a darker side we don’t really talk about, and the only remedy for darkness is light.

My year out of university was challenging, Often times when we go through painful experiences it can be tempting to run away from the environment where the pain occurred and never look back, but in my year away from university I really felt God speak to me and convict me that in the same place where my greatest internal battles had come, there would be opportunity to bring the greatest victories to others. I’m not perfect, and at times I’m intimidated by that call, but through it all I’m committed to seeing students in campuses across the country restored to the fullness of who they were created to be, living life in their identity in Jesus.

To see students who no longer feel a lack of purpose, no longer feel isolated, no longer feel unable to be vulnerable, feel lost, depressed, pressured, competitive, excluding each other for the sake of being cool, jealous, anxious, taking advantage of each other and using the million and one coping mechanisms on offer just to make it through. I’m committed to seeing students full of peace, full of real joy and hope for the future, in healthy relationship with one another, committed to following Jesus, and being agents of positive change in the world around them.

At times I feel overwhelmed on that journey, unsure of my abilities, but amidst the turbulence of life I remain committed to that dream. And if that’s a dream that you share too, I’d love for you to partner with me!