“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
At just 19 years old, Life Pacific University’s 2025 summa cum laude graduate is already leaving a legacy. Balancing academic excellence, deep spiritual growth, and real-world experience, this young leader represents everything LPU hopes to cultivate in its students: intentionality, integrity, and a passion for God’s calling.
Looking back, she reflects, “One of the most valuable lessons I learned at LPU is the importance of showing up prepared. It’s not enough to just be present. Intentionality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a daily choice.” That lesson came to life as she navigated the challenges of classes, internships, and ministry—all while maintaining straight A’s and graduating with top honors.
This was no small feat. Since November 2023, she’s balanced employment and internships with her coursework, participated in theatre tech teams, and served behind the mic on a radio show where she conducted research, wrote scripts, and even brought in guests like Cindy Galley and Professor Jeffrey Bird.
When asked about her favorite scripture, she points to Proverbs 3:5-6. “My life has felt like a series of sharp right and left turns. But this verse reminds me that even when the path feels disconnected, God is making something straight and meaningful out of it.
”From admin to HR, from creative work to ministry, she’s experienced more pivots than most professionals twice her age. But she sees divine purpose in it all: “God is not wasteful. Every twist and turn has prepared me for something I may not even see yet.”
Her time at LPU has deeply shaped her future. The decision to attend wasn’t on her original radar—but after praying and receiving a clear sense of God’s leading, she made what she calls another “sharp turn” into the right place. “I didn’t think I would come to LPU. But God made it clear, and I’m so glad I obeyed. I’ve grown here—in every possible way.”
What’s next? She’s continuing full-time work at ONE&ALL Church in a role that merges administration with ministry—“two worlds I deeply care about”—and beginning her Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership through LPU’s graduate program.
She credits much of her success to the professors who walked alongside her with wisdom and compassion. Carissa Hawksworth has been a mentor and counselor. Andy Hawksworth saw my potential from the beginning and treated me like the professional I was becoming, not just a student. Their investment in me is something I’ll carry forever.”
It’s that combination—professional excellence and personal care—that she says makes LPU unlike any other place. “There’s no other school on this planet with professors like this. They truly change lives.”
To those just beginning their LPU journey, her advice is rich with grace and grit: “Stay hungry. Spiritually. Academically. Personally. And be fully yourself. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Aimee Semple McPherson didn’t blend in either and that’s exactly what made her a trailblazer.”
Whether homeschooled, first-generation, or coming from an unconventional background, she encourages new students to embrace who they are. “At LPU, you’ll be loved just as you are and supported as you become who God designed you to be.”
Though she’s graduating, her time at LPU is far from done. As she steps into her master’s program, she says what she’ll miss most isn’t going away—it’s continuing. “LPU has given me a personalized, purpose-driven education. I’m so grateful I get to stay here for another two years. This isn’t the end of my story, t’s just the next straightened path.”
In her story, we see the heart of Life Pacific University: a place where students don’t just learn—they’re transformed. Through every sharp turn and quiet moment of trust, God is crafting leaders who are prepared, intentional, and empowered to lead lives of Kingdom impact. And for this graduate, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.
