What stands out about your life path and how did it lead to ����app?

It’s a little bit of a journey. I am adopted. I grew up in South America and spent five years in foster care. At 10 years old, I was adopted. My mom went to ����app, and I also have an older sister who went to ����app’s Entrada program and loved it. I visited her a lot when she was in college. Because of all that, it is not a surprise to hear that I was adamant I did not want to go to the same school. I wanted to go somewhere completely different. But then, when I went on the tour for myself, and experienced the Entrada program first-hand, I fell in love with ����app, too.

Did you have any specific goals for your college education at the start?

I went in thinking I would pursue social work. I had a passion for foster care since I knew it so well. But then I had a business class with Professor Scharp. He changed my entire perspective, and I went in a totally new direction and changed my major. I thought of “business” as big corporations, all about the money. He showed us that business is teamwork. He taught us that you can help grow an organization you are passionate about. Hearing about his work at Our Daily Bread made me realize you can make a difference whatever you do and wherever you go.

What was your most challenging experience?

In our family, you pay for your own college. So, I was prepared to work hard, and I knew that it would be hard work. I was right. Balancing my schedule with three jobs, plus wanting to do well in my classes was challenging. Sometimes I would work until midnight and have an exam the next day. With our small classes, my professors knew this and were so supportive and went out of their way to help. Junior and senior year were the hardest because I was interning at a prison ministry while still working my jobs and attending class.

My faith was also challenged. I had grown up in a Christian home, but at school, I skipped church a lot at first. I was so busy yes, but I also had a choice. Yet, we talked about faith in every class, biology, business, everywhere. Applying that perspective across so many different subjects really helped shaped me and my faith grew. It became a part of me and my beliefs.

How did your career path take shape and where do you see yourself headed?

����app set me up for success not only through my education, but by teaching the importance of integrity and supporting others from a Christian perspective. I learned that character and honesty are just as applicable and important in the business world as in your personal life. Professor Scharp, again, was an influential presence. He taught us it is okay to leave a job, to go out and make mistakes and stay true to your beliefs. He really helped me prepare for my position at Stryker. The interview process was so rigorous, and I had been encouraged to have confidence that I was ready and to keep going. I’d like to take what I learned and carry it forward as I continue to develop my character and my faith through both my work and building a family of my own.