Freshmen in college all want to find a place that feels like home to them when they go to college. InterVarsity was that place for me. A day or two after I signed up for an InterVarsity Bible study at a table on the University of Washington campus, one of the leaders basically adopted me as her little sister. She found my dorm room, introduced herself and walked right in, asking me questions and looking at all the pictures on my wall. She came to my room and led me to Bible study that week, and made me feel like I already belonged in the group.

She and the other students in the group quickly became my closest friends. But more importantly, we dug through Scripture together, prayed for each other, held each other accountable and encouraged one another. Every Thursday night we walked together to the IV worship gathering on campus, where we praised God, heard challenging teachings, and were nurtured in our faith. Conferences throughout the year gave experiences of powerful worship, true repentance, and invitations to take risks on God.

Through both the small and large group settings I was encouraged to take my faith seriously. To ask myself what I believed, why I believed it, and what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. No longer did I feel comfortable repeating John 3:16 to myself as the entire theology of my faith, but I began to pore over Jesus' parables, teachings and his life, not skipping over the tough passages. And I began to take seriously the truth that I am here for a reason, bought at a price, and equipped with the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the years I have grown in my understanding of race and ethnic relations in this country, my campus, and within my own friendships. It has been exciting to be a part of a fellowship that strives to bring Jesus' message of reconciliation to even the deepest schisms in society.

I spent three years in leadership within IV, and God grew my heart for college students and for his kingdom. I have had amazing experiences of watching new students, not unlike myself, come on fire about the Gospel within small groups I have led. I have had the immense privilege of leading over 100 students in worship, filling what is normally a Chemistry classroom with songs of praise. And I have felt the incredible joy of seeing Jesus seek out, find, and return lost sheep to his flock.

This year on staff is my way to give back to the fellowship, develop my spiritual gifts, and partner with Jesus in his plans for the University of Oregon. Through the years I have grown in my understanding of the real need for ministries on campus. College graduates are the ones who become this nation's and the world's presidents, senators, CEOs, teachers, doctors, lawyers, pastors. College years are also the time when most people make their biggest decisions about their identities and their beliefs. Seeds sown on the college campus can have far-reaching, powerful effects.

I am excited to see what Jesus will do here at the University of Oregon and beyond!