Meet the Students

Fourth-year BS in Information Technology student

Mariter describes herself as being “at the finish line”, a finish line that once felt far from certain.

The second oldest of six children, Mariter began working in the sugarcane fields when she was about eight years old. She helped care for her younger siblings while her father worked as a tricycle driver and her mother cared for the family and helped in the fields. 

Now in her fourth and final year of a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program, Mariter hopes to find work where she can continue developing her skills while creating greater stability for those she loves.

Her influence already reaches beyond her own family. At Carmen Community Church, she teaches children, shares Bible stories, and encourages younger members of the community. Mariter first came to the church as a child, sometimes joining Sunday activities only after finishing her work in the fields. Today, she is one of the young adults welcoming and teaching the next generation - and her mother, who once did not want her to attend, has now chosen to be baptized.

“I’m at the finish line now. When I look back, I can see how God has worked in my life.”

A small thing to know about Mariter: Her favorite treat is puto, a sweet Filipino rice cake.

Second-year BS in Medical Technology student

In many ways, Cherish has grown up alongside the ministry at Carmen.

She was still a child when her family moved to the community in 2013. Her mother had repeatedly dreamed about the place and envisioned a church there before the family relocated. Cherish remembers being surprised as she watched that vision become real. Today, she describes Carmen as peaceful. A place with a special atmosphere that feels like home.

Now in the second year of a four-year Medical Technology degree, Cherish is preparing for a career working behind the scenes in healthcare, using laboratory science to help identify illness and guide patient care. After graduation, she hopes to work as a medical technologist and is open to opportunities that may eventually take her abroad.

As an only child from a family with deep roots in the church, her grandfather was a pastor, Cherish has known about Jesus for most of her life. As she has grown older, however, that inherited faith has become increasingly personal. She speaks honestly about the challenges of college and financial uncertainty, but also about seeing God provide for her family and make it possible for her to continue her education.

“Even when school is hard and finances are difficult, God still provides. Keep praying, because prayer works.”

A small thing to know about Cherish: She prefers vegetables and tries to avoid oily foods, even for breakfast.

Second-year BS in Medical Technology student

For Janelle, Carmen Community Church is more than the church she grew up attending. “This is my second home,” she says. A place where she can speak honestly about what she is going through, lean on others for prayer, and continue growing in her faith.

Janelle has lived in Carmen since she was very young and was raised primarily by her grandmother figure. The youngest of four children, she experienced the separation of her parents when she was nine. Having to navigate that change at such a young age was painful, but it also gave special meaning to the support and steady presence she found within her church community.

Now in the second year of a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology program, Janelle is preparing for a career, where her work can help identify illness and guide patient care. She enjoys the activities and relationships that are part of college life, even if she admits that some of her instructors can be very strict. After earning her degree, she hopes her education may eventually open opportunities to work in another country.

A verse that has remained especially meaningful to Janelle is Jeremiah 29:11: God’s promise of plans that bring hope and a future. She asks for prayer that her own future will not be defined by the painful parts of her past, but will instead be marked by healing and the loving family she hopes to build one day.

“The church is my second home. When I have a problem, I can lean on the church, and they pray for me.”

A verse Janelle carries with her: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

First-year BS in Information Technology student

Much of Jelay’s story begins with her grandmother. After her parents separated and established families of their own, Jelay made her home with her grandmother, who also introduced her to the ministry at Carmen Community Church while she was still in elementary school.

What began with her grandmother’s encouragement gradually became something Jelay chose for herself. Through the church, she found programs she enjoyed, relationships with people who cared about her, and a place where she could grow in her faith. Looking back, she is grateful for the ways the community has helped her become more confident and connected with others.

Now a first-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, Jelay is combining her interest in computers and technology with a subject she already enjoys: math. She hopes to build a career in the technology field, support her grandmother and other family members, and perhaps one day find work that allows her to travel and experience more of the world.

As she begins college, she asks for prayer for her family, for a deeper relationship with God, and for continued growth in communicating and building relationships with others.

“I’m so grateful. I have learned a lot, become more connected with other people, and grown in the Lord.”

A small thing to know about Jelay: She would love to travel, and although she has tried blueberry-flavored drinks, she has never tasted a fresh blueberry.