Bonita MA '20, Urban Studies
Long-range planner. Urban youth minister. Uncertainty-embracer.
How does the prop you brought represent you?
Monthly Planner - I am constantly in the long-range planning mode. I like planning my work. Now that I am juggling work, school and ministry, it is imperative that I consult my planner so that I do not commit to something that I do not have time to do.
How would you describe courage in one sentence?
Courage is the ability to respond when faced with challenges or to take a risk in order to achieve a goal.
How did getting your degree require courage?
I am working towards achieving my master's degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in Youth Development (MAUS). I have been out of school for over thirty years and was concern that I would be able to compete with today’s students academically, socially and with the latest technology.
How does your current job or career path require courage?
It takes courage to press onward when you are juggling a full-time job, school and family responsibilities. It takes courage to sacrifice time to meet the rigors of the MAUS program. There are times when “life happens” and you feel like quitting. These are the time that I will hear that inner voice say “press” or “keep going” or “finish”. In addition, my path requires courage because it entails embracing uncertainty of the future in working in urban youth ministry. It requires re-thinking traditional methods of urban youth ministry and bridging the gap between urban culture and urban youth ministry.
How did EU help you become more courageous in your thinking and actions?
Eastern University has helped me to become courageous in learning new concepts, methods and ideas in urban youth ministry. It has required me to put aside my preconceived ideas of youth and their culture and seek to learn more about successful methods of theological practices with urban youth.
Where do you hope courage will lead you in the future?
I hope that courage will lead me in the development of an after school program and weekend workshops that meet to the creative and cultural needs of the neighborhood youth and young adults through my church’s youth center.