WINONA LAKE — It has been a historic year for Grace College, which welcomed a record-breaking 476 incoming students and launched a new brand.
The school’s new slogan, “Created For More,” encourages students to use their passions and gifts to chase God’s unique purpose for their lives. One freshman, in particular, learned about God’s purpose for her through her journey to college, according to a news release from Grace College.
Daniela Reyes, of La Unión, Lempira, Honduras, had never set foot within the U.S. before coming to Grace. As Reyes began to consider her options after high school, third-year student Rolando Rodríguez, Reyes’ cousin, encouraged her to apply to Grace.
“I remember telling her not to give up in this stressful process of applying to a college in a different country," said Rodríguez. “God has perfect timing, and we only have to wait and trust.”
What Reyes thought would only be a 20-minute conversation became two hours of talking about Grace. During that conversation, Reyes says she “fell in love with Grace.”
Reyes participated in the school’s Presidential Scholarship Days virtually during the fall of her senior year, resulting in a Faculty Scholarship — the equivalent of $20,000 per year.
“I was working on homework when I received the email telling me of the scholarship, and I screamed because I was so excited,” said Reyes.
But her excitement wore off when she realized she was still short of the necessary funds to attend. Reyes left the challenge of affording college in God’s hands. Trusting His provision, Reyes sought and received several scholarships from various American colleges, thus expanding her options to other schools.
After one particularly promising scholarship opportunity fell through, it spurred a dark period in Reyes’s faith, as her hope had grown intertwined with her scholarship success. She became so discouraged, she stopped considering college altogether.
“I was separated from God and His path,” said Reyes. “I had drawn close to God because of the scholarship, not because of who He is, and that was wrong.”
Reyes abandoned the idea of attending college for three months before she received an unexpected email stating Grace had granted her another scholarship.
“I was getting close to what I needed,” said Reyes. “I realized God was telling me to continue working hard. But I was afraid of making the same mistake of getting closer to Him just because things were going my way.”
To combat this fear, Reyes focused on cultivating her relationship with God. Meanwhile, she pieced together the remaining $10,000 to attend Grace. The only hurdle left to overcome was to receive her student visa, and once again, God came through. Five hours after being rejected in her interview, Reyes was sent a follow-up email rescinding the decision and granting her a visa.
“God once again showed me that He wanted me here,” said Reyes. “He worked a miracle. I’m here now, and I know it's because of God — it's because of Jesus.”
Despite living 1,700 miles away from her family in Honduras, Reyes finds solace through the hospitality of her host family and the community on campus. She looks forward to participating in campus events and clubs, especially Esperanza Latina, for which her cousin, Rodríguez, is the coordinator.
An international business major, Reyes hopes to travel the world to do business, and she sees the education she’s receiving as an avenue to serve the Lord.
“I was created to love Jesus and serve him in the things I do,” said Reyes. “If God allows me to be in other countries throughout my career, I want to show people God’s love because there are many places that don't have the opportunity to know about Jesus.”
Learn more about Grace’s financial aid packages at www.grace.edu/financialaid and Grace’s Presidential Scholarship Days at www.grace.edu/visit-us/scholar/. To apply, visit Grace’s admissions page.