“Now is your time. Become, believe, try. Walk closely with people you love, and with other people who believe that God is very good and life is a grand adventure. Don’t spend time with people who make you feel like less than you are. Don’t get stuck in the past, and don’t try to fast-forward yourself into a future you haven’t yet earned. Give today all the love and intensity and courage you can, and keep traveling honestly along life’s path.” -Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet
Hi, My name is Jacova, and I couldn’t be more excited to share bits and pieces of my APU story with you all this summer! Here’s a few fun facts about myself:
My heart is split between Azusa and my hometown in Phoenix, Arizona. In Phoenix I grew wings, but in Azusa I learned how to fly.
In the Fall I will be a senior, Communication Studies major, but it took me about two years to settle into my major (being undeclared is waaay okay).
I studied abroad last spring in South Africa where I got to live and sleep and study next to a waterfall, serve in local townships as part of my coursework, and bungee jump off the tallest commercial bridge in the world!
I have worked for our new student orientation program called “Alpha” for two years, and move-in day is probably my favorite day of the year (WE CAN’T WAIT TO HAVE YOU HERE!).
Things that fill my soul include: a strong cup of black coffee, a good read, hiking in the foothills, and exploring LA with my friends.
I can’t wait to share with you how APU has molded me into the person I am today. The above quote by Shauna Niequist perfectly articulates what this season at APU has been like for me. Here, I have met many of my dearest friends who know my soul well and consistently push me to become more and more like Jesus. They keep me humble, and they give me grace. I have learned how to pursue academic excellence in a way that honors Christ and serves my brothers and sisters. I have learned so much about what it looks like to remain present and faithful no matter what circumstances surround me.
We’ll get to know each more as the summer goes, but for now I hope that you take Shauna’s words to heart. I hope that you can be fully present wherever you are. I pray that you will practice courage, kindness, and grace wherever you go.
Till next time!
-Jacova S