This spring, we celebrated the graduation of our first two scholars of The Simple Way. Each year, we offer a 4-year scholarship to Eastern University for a local student recommended by a community leader. We are grateful for support from donors like you who make this dream possible. Malsiella, a 2015 Eastern graduate (and pictured above), had this to say about her experience:

I grew up in a low-income community, where prostitution, drug violence, and poverty affected the lives around me. Eastern University was a symbolic marker in my life because I am the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. I studied social work, and Eastern University opened a lot of opportunities for internships, jobs, friendships, mentors, and more. I thank Jesus Christ for taking me into his pleasing and perfect will when he allowed me to attend EU and meet great people in a great community.

One memorable experience at Eastern was becoming a student chaplain during my sophomore year. I facilitated Bible studies, and helped other girls learn about the love of Christ. I still receive emails from girls that attended those studies who are grateful I was their spiritual counselor.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work, and I am looking for a job in a faith-based agency that serves low-income families with compassion, justice, and love. To other students pursuing higher education, I encourage you to try and maintain well-balanced social and academic lives. Become involved on campus, set boundaries with others, stand up for what you believe in, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and surround yourself with positive people who are agents of change. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to embrace yourself and love who God created you to be!