College is more than an education. It's a place where you meet people from diverse backgrounds, with amazing stories. Over that last few years, we encountered some of these individuals, who just so happen to World Changers in the making. We want to honor them as well celebrate a milestone in their lives: Graduation.

Brittany LaBelle

Bachelors of Science in Psychology

Minor in Religious Studies

From University of Richmond

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us".

Ephesians 3:20

During my college years, God blessed me in three incredible ways:

He Saved Me.

After wrestling with God and my flesh all throughout my first year of college, I finally submitted and gave my life to Christ. My life has never been the same.

He Healed Me.

I tore my ACL three times during my senior year of high school and I lost my scholarship to a Division 1 school. It manifested bitterness and anger in my heart towards everyone; I felt alone and worthless. Once I gave my life to Christ, He replaced the anger with His unconditional love for me and He has filled me in every way I could possibly desire.

He Supplied for Me.

Before entering college, my mom made a declaration that I would graduate college, with no debt, with no loans, owing nothing. At the time, I didn't think it was possible. However, I began to believe and hold Him to His Word that He will supply ALL my needs, and I'm proud and humbled to say He did. I graduated with NO LOANS, NO DEBT. All to the Glory of God, and let no other name be praised.

In addition to three miraculous blessings, I've began to understand three words that are at the cornerstone of my belief in Christ. Faith, Favor and Grace. Though I struggle to fight my flesh, and I may not be perfect, the blessings God has given me is only further evidence of His existence and gracious plan for my life. Never give up on God! Because He will never give up on you :)

Pauline Russell

BACHELOR of Art in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Minor in Human Development
FROM UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

“He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly…”

Psalms 84:11

The dreaded senior question: “So, what are you doing after graduation?” I've always been the girl who knows exactly what she wants. By age 19, I knew where I wanted to work, the car I was going to drive, and the bedtime I was going to have at 25 years old. I was a professional life planner and I was really, really good at it! But, I've learned that God and I both can’t be life planners.

At the start of my senior year, I began preparing for graduate school. I was journaling to God, while also writing what I believed He was responding to me. These written conversations came in handy when I received letters of rejection and acceptance. Things were not going as planned. I didn’t know what to say to God. I trusted Him, but I wasn’t sure what He was doing.

He reminded me of the promises He spoke to me months ago while journaling. The promise that all good things come from Him. The promise that He wouldn't withhold any good thing from me as I walk uprightly…. no admission, no scholarship, no job would He withhold from me as I follow Him.

Remembering who God is allowed me to rest in who I am and enjoy where He has placed me. Even if that means waiting to find out. Sure, I would love to know what I’m doing in advance, but where does that leave room for God to be the author of my life? He simply asks of me and the greatest response I can have is obedience.

I realize now, Jesus has done all the hard work while I have the privilege of following His lead. He loves to be good to me. It’s overwhelming to think this is only the beginning of His good, good plans.

Abeeb Ayodeji

BACHELORS in Kinesiology

FROM UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."

- Albert Einstein

It's been said that transfers from Community College takes longer to graduate. Going into Prince George Community College as a freshman was humbling at first. I had to endure friends teasing me about going to the 13th grade, and critics telling me that I wasn't receiving a quality education. By God's grace, I was able to receive my associates degree in 2 years, with no hold backs. I transferred to the University of Maryland College Park 2 years ago and I'll be receiving my Bachelors in Kinesiology this Friday! Needless to say, God is faithfulllllllllll lol. Nothing that I have accomplished during my 4 years as an Undergraduate student would've been possible without the grace of Pops and the wonderful individuals that He surrounded me with. Thank you all, it’s been a pleasure. *bows*

Kimberly L. Godfrey

BACHELORS of Science in Accounting

BACHELORS OF SCIENCE IN Finance

FROM UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

God has been so faithful these last four years to me. I have so many testimonies to share about these past four years that this could honestly be turned into a novel, but for the sake of the reader and my hands, I will make this short and sweet.

I was accepted into the University of Maryland, College Park, spring of 2011. I was extremely pumped! I had grown up basically on this campus because my parents use to work here and so I always knew in my heart from a young age that I would be walking these sidewalks one day to go to class. Once, I received my admittance letter, I read that I was not accepted into the Robert H. School of Business. At this sight, my heart sunk but I remember saying a prayer to God that day that I desired to be accepted into the business school and from that moment I would work extremely hard to see that dream come to fruition and I asked Him to open doors for me to walk freely through. I also had the desire in my heart to relieve my parents of any financial burden that I could so I remember praying to God that He would provide a way to make that happen, somehow someway.

He did just that and so much more!! Every year, from my freshman year to my senior year, I received countless scholarships and awards that increased in substantial value as my academic year progressed. God placed me in a group on campus called Markets and Society’s that was a select group geared towards helping those who desired to gain admittance in the business school and through this group, God was preparing me for later things that I would soon accomplish. He connected me with people within in the business school who vouched for me when I was applying to the business school. I continued to go to networking events and programs where I could connect with recruiters. After some networking events, I met my recruiter for Ernst and Young and after rounds of interviews, as a sophomore, I was offered an internship at one of the big four accounting firms. I still had not been admitted into the business school yet!

Even though I had not been admitted into the business school just yet, God gave me an idea my sophomore fall semester, to start an organization called the Leading Ladies Connecting and it was eventually launched my junior year. God did so many incredible things during the time that I was not in the business school. He grew my faith and grew me up. I learned to trust Him in every area of my life; my finances, my future, my career and with my ideas. My sophomore spring semester, I was admitted into the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Boy, was I ecstatic. God said to trust me and I did. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” This verse was so crucial to me and still is. I was so afraid that things would not work out or that God forgot about me or that I would fail a test and not be admitted in the business school. But what I have learned in this whole process is that God really cares for you, He truly has your back and He takes heed to the desires of your heart that align with His will. My faith has been stretched and tested and I am excited for the next place He is guiding me to. This is only the beginning!