My Wheaton Decision

On March 23rd I received my acceptance email from Wheaton College. I was stunned and thrilled. I had waited five months for this moment. I had also received acceptance from Azusah and Seattle Pacific and partial scholarships to attend both. I had yet to receive my financial aid package from Wheaton. However the deadline was approaching for me to make my decision of where I would attend university. I made pro and con lists on pink construction paper. I kept wishing if I had only received Wheaton's financial package now, this decision would be easier. I remember my mom encouraging me that possibly it was better that I did not know how much financial aid I was going to receive from Wheaton. This way I could make my decision solely on which school would be the best place for me to thrive academically, socially and spiritually. I thought back to all the reasons why I choose to apply to Wheaton:

1. Outstanding Academics - I was going to be challenged and stretched like never before in my high school career

2. Liberal Arts Education - I would not have to sacrifice the creative side of me. I could pursue my major as well as my interest in Theater and Art

3. Internationally Engaged - I would have opportunities to study abroad through the HNGR (Human Needs and Global Resource) program and study at Wheaton with other third culture kids like myself

4. Evangelical College - I would be apart of a community of believers from all kinds of backgrounds where my faith can grow and be sharpened

5. A Network of Alumni - The connections and opportunities are endless

6. Chicago - All the diversity of a metropolitan city plus the large Rwanda Diaspora community in Chicago will make it like a home away from home


After weighing all the pros and cons, I decided I would not make my decision based on the fear of the financial load, but rather on faith that God who opened the opportunity for me to attend Wheaton would carry it though. I believe God is doing something big in my life and I trust in His provisional hand that I have seen repeatedly through out my life in Africa. At the end of April I sent in my Enrollment Form to Wheaton College.


This last week I noticed a recent shift in my plans for my major and career. When I filled out my application last fall I declared a Fine Arts major. When I sent in my class registration last week I wrote down International Relations. I believe God has opened my mind to the possibilities of what He can do with my experiences overseas.

As a missionary kid, I spent almost the entirety of my childhood in East Africa. The beauty, simplicity, and needs of the developing world are what I knew first. I cannot imagine turning my back on my experience and knowledge. The skill set that I have attained of adaptability to different cultures, creativity to handle difficult situations, and a willingness to go where the need is gives me the edge to work in an international developing environment. As globalization continues through the spread of business, internet, and politics, the world will continue to shrink. We are all becoming increasingly interconnected with each other. As this continues, the need for global ambassadors who not only represent their nation of origin but also Christ increases. I want to be someone who can bridge the gap between different countries through development and empowerment of the local people to embrace their own cultures. I hope to use my gifts in the Arts to bless others through education and development.

My life as a missionary kid in Africa, has given me a passion for humanitarian crisis and above all the “Jesus Crisis” that faces our world today. As I looked at course schedules for this fall I saw how much I still have to learn, and I am eager for it. There are still many unknowns in my future, and I do not have it all figured out. However If there is anything I have learned living in Africa it is that in those times of uncertainty and waiting, you are the most moldable for God to transform you into His plan.

If you would like to send a Graduation gift that will go towards my College Tuition please write a check to “Sophia Jenkins,” and mail it to Bluestone Federal Credit Union, 1252 Yankee Doodle Road , Eagan, Mn 55121. Phone number 651-452-3131.
Thanks for the support.