Bachelor of Arts (2012)
Bachelor of Education (2012)

“My time at Atlantic Baptist University (Crandall University) seems like a lifetime ago, which is surprising because I was there for so long! I was supposed to graduate in 2008 with my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees, but I got sick in my last semester. I’ll forever be grateful to Dr. Stacie Reck and Stewart West for their encouragement and understanding during those very difficult 3 years. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to finally walk across that stage in May 2012.

“Since graduating, I’ve worked in different jobs, including working at Crandall University, all of which led me to where I am today. In November 2018, I moved to Tanzania, Africa to work as a missionary with Emmanuel International Canada. My role is to help the local church run a girls’ health project. Our project, ‘Nguvu na Hadhi’ (Swahili for ‘strength and dignity’), aims to help over 1,600 girls who might otherwise miss out on basic education when they reach puberty.

“There’s a significant gap in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa when it comes to menstruation. The importance of addressing this gap cannot be stressed enough: girls need to be educated and empowered to take care of their changing bodies. I’ll be honest, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the shame, taboo, and misinformation surrounding this topic, but we continue in faith because we believe this education will transform lives.

“While things in Tanzania are still quite calm, COVID-19 has affected our project. Yes, it’s disheartening and frustrating, but we’re using this unexpected time to re-evaluate, re-invent, and re-energize. As a team, we’re strategizing how to best support our community. Right now, we’re focusing on prevention (handwashing buckets, soap, masks, and posters) and education, but we understand our response will likely change as things become more serious.

“Folks, I know it’s tempting to fall into the trap of worry and fear during this uncertain time, but let’s remember that nothing takes God by surprise. He works all things together for His glory and our good.”