Catherine

Class of 2010
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua
Major: Elementary Education

In high school, Catherine (known to everyone as Cat) was persistent about attending a college other than Evangel, but her dad insisted she at least visit EU before she made her decision. After spending three days on campus with a Bed & Breakfast host, she soon felt sure that Evangel University was the right place for her.

As the daughter of missionaries of Nicaragua, Cat is far from home at Evangel. But she has found the campus community to be the perfect place to nurture her and help her grow while she is in the States.

 

Why did you choose to come to Evangel?

I was going to go to a school in North Carolina, but my dad sent me to visit Evangel. I was stubborn, but I came and stayed for a weekend. As soon as I walked around and saw more of Evangel I felt God giving me the peace that I needed.

Which residence hall do you live in?

I am a resident assistant in Spence.

Did you receive financial aid?

Yes, scholarships and loans.

Did you visit Evangel before becoming a student?

I visited Evangel through the Bed & Breakfast experience for three days.

What do you like about the campus?

The closeness of all the buildings, the professors and the friendship you have with each of them, and the family you create with friends on your floor and on campus.

How did you choose your major?

I came to Evangel as a nursing major but I began to pray about it and felt a change in a direction that pointed to children. During high school I was a teacher’s aide for a 2nd grade classroom, and I loved that experience and saw myself becoming a teacher one day. So now I am studying elementary education with a social studies emphasis.

What are the benefits of attending a smaller university?

President Spence knows you by name — what more could you ask for?

What do you like about being an Evangel student?

I have learned so much, especially how to be a better leader.

So far, what kind of educational/service/leadership opportunities have you encountered?

I have been the CROSSwalk assistant director of community events, New Student Orientation leader, Bed & Breakfast host, and currently I am a RA in Spence and the president of Student-Missouri State Teachers Association.

Have you been involved in any mission trips at Evangel?

I have gone on three mission trips: one as a student to Argentina and two as a student co-leader to Chile and Nicaragua.

What kind of relationships have you built with other missionary kids who attend Evangel?

I want to be a big sister to the ones who are new to Evangel. It meant a lot to me as a freshman to have someone explain certain things about college life.

Was the transition easy in coming back to the United States?

It was easy for me because I am a very outgoing person and make friends easily. Of course, I miss my family because we are so close and being further from them than ever was hard.

What are your top strengths* and how do you use them?

Woo – I’m outgoing and introduce myself to new people all the time. I love experiencing and trying new things.
Adaptability – I have had to move a lot in my life but I adapt easily to my new surroundings and make them my own.
Includer – Nobody is left out, at least I try to include as many people as I can.
Positivity – I don’t appreciate negativity so I bring out the positivity in me to ease tension or situations.

*Evangel University is one of 600 universities which use Gallup's strengths-based, leadership-development program. All students learn what their top five strengths are, and leadership training during their years at Evangel helps them to develop and maximize these talents.

And finally, why should a prospective student choose Evangel?

I don’t want to make it sound cliché, but don’t choose Evangel unless you know God wants you here. He has a plan for your life and knows where you belong. God showed me where I belonged and I thank Him for the memories He has given me here at Evangel.

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