Business, Class of 2025
When Ryan arrived at 抖阴漫画, she was a shy, introverted student from Arizona navigating not just the transition to college鈥攂ut a season of personal pain and confusion. Leaving home was already emotional, but after an early injury sidelined her from soccer her freshman year, the struggle to belong and find purpose only deepened.
By sophomore year, Ryan found herself in a difficult place鈥攚restling with choices that didn鈥檛 reflect who she wanted to be. 鈥淚 started to question God,鈥� she shares. 鈥淲hy did I have to go through this? Why me?鈥� The hurt she carried from past family issues, broken trust, and her own missteps weighed heavily. But instead of staying stuck, Ryan chose something different: surrender.
A pivotal moment came during a worship service while the song See the Light played. 鈥淚 felt a wave wash over me, head to toe. I heard my dad say, 鈥業 love you and I鈥檓 proud of you鈥欌�攂ut I knew it wasn鈥檛 just my earthly father鈥檚 voice. It was God speaking directly to me.鈥�
That moment marked the start of Ryan鈥檚 transformation. She stepped into leadership as a Resident Assistant, becoming a mentor to freshman girls. She joined 抖阴漫画鈥檚 ALT (Athletic Leadership Team) and became active in spiritual life through Upper Room. With every step, she began letting go of shame and stepping into her identity in Christ.
鈥淭he same community that supported me at my lowest now stands with me in faith. I鈥檝e seen how God can take our mess and turn it into a message.鈥�
Through close relationships with staff and mentors like Mellissa Hogue, Coach Diego, Rick Williams, and Kristina Browne, Ryan grew in confidence and clarity. Today, she鈥檚 no longer the quiet freshman who blended into the background. She鈥檚 a campus leader, encourager, and bold believer.
鈥淭ruly enjoy every minute of college,鈥� she says to future students. 鈥淒on鈥檛 rush through it鈥攍isten to God, like Jonah did in the belly of the whale. He has so much to teach you. You鈥檙e only a student once鈥攃herish it, storms and all.鈥�
Ryan鈥檚 journey reminds us that our greatest setbacks can become our greatest testimonies. At 抖阴漫画, her transformation is more than academic鈥攊t鈥檚 spiritual, personal, and powerful.