Year: Senior 2025

Major: Psychology (Pre-Professional)

Hometown: Santa Fe, Tx.

Q: What led you to Nelson University?

• Growing up, my family always talked positively about their experiences at Nelson (always referred to as ‘Southwestern’) and the Christian, spirit-filled environment.
• In high school, I came to campus and loved the Christian community. The Behavioral Science department was very welcoming and excited about helping me plan out my future career. 
• Lastly, growing up as a pastor’s kid and grandkid in the STX AG there were so many connections to friends, family, and other AG pastors on campus.

Q: What have you been involved in on campus?

• I have been the Director of Activities for the Student Alumni Association for over 2 years. I also work in Career Development and largely with Alumni so I am always participating in student and Alumni events

Q: What aspects of campus life have you enjoyed the most?

• The friendliness of the students, faculty and staff! Since being at Nelson I have been able to build lifelong relationships with amazing students and professors.
• There is also always an opportunity to worship. Whether it be a worship night on campus or at a local church, or volunteer opportunity there is always some opportunity to bring glory to the Lord

Q: How has your experience been with your major’s department?

• My experience has been beyond amazing! I am forever grateful for the time, emergy, and effort my department has put into my education and preparing me for my future career.
• My professors always welcome me to sit in the Behavioral Science office and do work, ask questions, or just build relationships with the department. They push me to be my very best and to soak up as much of the knowledge and experience I can while I am here.

Q: Have you had any professors who have positively influenced you during your time here?

• Absolutely! Dr. Pauli, who is my Psychology program coordinator, has made a huge impact on my life. She has spent countless hours helping me discover how to best live out the calling God has placed on my life and how to be successful in the field of psychology/mental health. Dr. Pauli helped lead the Behavioral Science trip to Vietnam where I got to spend a week learning how to apply what I have been learning out in the real world and in a variety of cultures.
• She also taught me so much about taking assignments one day at a time, having confidence in myself and the effort I have put into school, and that it’s ok to not take everything seriously all the time. It’s ok to laugh sometimes.

Q: What drew you to your area of study? What professional aspirations and goals do you have for the future?

• My dad is a 4th generation pastor so growing up I have always been in church settings with my family and have seen the struggles of pastors and their families that go on behind the scenes. My parents have been pastors my whole life and have always had a huge heart for our community. With that I saw the value of my parents being able to talk about their experience and struggles and the relief that came after talking with other pastors or a counselor.
• As a teenager my community experienced two very destructive and painful disasters that impacted everyone. From a young age I saw the hope and healing that can be brought through counseling and mental health services and what an opportunity it brings to share the love of Jesus.

Q: How do you feel that your time at Nelson is preparing you for life after college?

• Nelson has prepared me largely by creating an environment that stretches me academically and professionally. My professors stress the importance of presenting yourself in a professional manner and continuing to educate myself even outside of the classroom.

Q: How has your faith impacted the way you view your education and the personal goals you set for yourself?

• I truly believe the Lord has called me to help meet the needs of those around me in order to spread the Gospel and the love of Jesus. I am motivated by the fact that I am not pursuing my degree(s) and career goals for me but rather for the name Jesus, the salvation of those around me, and the growth of the church.

Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

• My advice to incoming freshmen would be to not be afraid to build relationships with your peers and professors. Students are searching for community and you bring a unique and valuable addition to our campus. Our professors and staff have such a heart and passion for their students and genuinely want to know their students. Don’t miss an opportunity to know them.

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Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university situated just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Established in 1927, Nelson University now offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson University prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.