I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and I came to the U.S. to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. Trevecca has been God's instrument in helping me achieve that dream. I don’t think I would have had the courage to give this speech in front of the faculty if not for my advanced public speaking class with Dr. Welch in the spring of 2023—and that is where my Trevecca journey begins.
I was a mid-semester transfer halfway through the 2022–23 school year. I transferred to Trevecca after a year and a half at a Bible college that didn’t offer a journalism degree. Before arriving at Trevecca, I had no idea how to write a news story or conduct an interview. That changed the day I stepped onto campus and met Dr. Weedman. Little did I know that we would have so much in common and that she would become a second mother to me, pushing me to my limits. For that, I would like to sincerely thank her.
At Trevecca, I have been encouraged to grow and become a student leader. Professors like Dr. Weedman challenged me to use leadership skills that I knew I had but had never been pushed to develop. I would not have served as the TrevEchoes editor-in-chief if not for her guidance and support. I’ve also been encouraged to be an example to other students, and in the short time I was a part of SGA, I gained a deep appreciation for what it takes to be a leader at Trevecca. For that, I would like to thank Natalie Specht, who has been an incredible source of support this semester as I stepped into student leadership.
The Communications Department has also encouraged me to dream big and apply to internships I never expected to get. Because of their support, I feel confident and prepared as I step into the world post-graduation. I would like to thank Dr. Wells for intentionally using Bridging the Gap in his classes and for his willingness to have vulnerable conversations with students at a time when human connection and empathy are crucial. I would also like to thank Kristi Walker for her kindness and welcoming spirit, as she is someone who is always open to listening and having meaningful conversations.
Living on campus has been a blessing, allowing me to form lasting relationships. I would like to thank Mama Laurie for her constant attention and kindness toward her residents, especially this year as we dealt with endless fire alarms at Redford. I would also like to thank Naomi Akinbade, my first RA at Trevecca, who had a significant impact on my life and was one of the first people on campus I got to know personally.
This campus has been instrumental in both my personal growth and my career. I have learned that my dreams are never too small—if I have the ability to pursue them, I should. Trevecca’s diverse community has pushed me to grow and step beyond my comfort zone, learning to love and appreciate others in new ways. I will forever cherish this community for the lessons I have learned here, and I will always be grateful that God led me here to complete my college career.
