From a young age, I was deeply involved in church life, serving as a Sunday school teacher, pianist, and choir director. These early experiences fostered my passion for working with children, and over the years, I developed a deep calling to help nurture their spiritual growth. This calling led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Children’s Ministry and, eventually, to become the Children’s Pastor at my church. I have always valued education. After completing a degree and a master’s in Spanish Language and Culture, I became fluent in three languages—Portuguese, Spanish, and English. These skills have helped me connect with diverse communities, which has been invaluable in both my teaching career and ministry work. For over a decade, I taught children and gained valuable insights into how they learn and develop. These experiences deepened my desire to not only educate but to serve children spiritually and emotionally. Eight years ago, I moved to the United States and began volunteering in my church’s children’s ministry. This was a turning point for me, as I realized that I could merge my teaching background with my passion for ministry. It was during this time that I felt a strong calling to pursue formal education in Children’s Ministry. I enrolled in a Master’s program at DUB, which has strengthened my understanding of child development from a Christian perspective and refined my approach to teaching and leading children in their faith. My decision to continue my education was motivated by a desire to be more effective in my ministry. I wanted to better understand how to address the unique challenges children face today and equip parents to be the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. This education has given me a deeper foundation in both theology and child psychology, enabling me to guide children in their faith while supporting families in their spiritual journeys. Of course, pursuing higher education while balancing ministry and family has not been without its challenges. As a mother, I’ve faced the obstacle of managing multiple roles—student, pastor, and parent. The demands can be overwhelming at times, but I manage by prioritizing my time, setting clear goals, and relying on the support of my family and church community. My family understands the importance of this calling, and their encouragement helps me stay focused and motivated. Reflecting on my journey, I see how my background in teaching, my cultural experiences, and my faith have all shaped my commitment to serving children and families. I am driven by a deep belief in the importance of faith-centered education and the role families play in shaping a child’s spiritual life. This scholarship will enable me to complete my studies and continue developing the skills needed to make a lasting, positive impact in my community. With this support, I can devote more time and energy to my ministry and be better equipped to serve the children and families who rely on me.

From a young age, I was immersed in the life of the church, where I grew up serving in various roles. My journey into ministry began as a Sunday school teacher and grew over the years into a deeper commitment to serving children and families in the church. I have always felt a strong sense of calling to work with children—guiding them in their faith, helping them grow spiritually, and equipping their families to be the primary faith nurturers. This passion has driven my educational and professional journey, leading me to pursue a Master's degree in Children’s Ministry and, eventually, to become the Children’s Pastor at my church. As a child, I was actively involved in the church, playing the piano for services, leading music, and directing the choir. These experiences laid a foundation of service and leadership that has influenced my life in ministry. After earning a degree and a master's in Spanish Language and Culture, I became fluent in three languages—Portuguese, Spanish, and English—skills that have allowed me to connect with diverse communities and to reach children from various cultural backgrounds. For over a decade, I worked as a teacher, and this experience gave me valuable insight into how children learn and develop. It also strengthened my desire to serve them, not only in an educational context but also in a spiritual one. When I moved to the United States eight years ago, I began volunteering in my church’s children’s ministry. This was a pivotal moment in my life, as it allowed me to channel my teaching experience into a ministry that was close to my heart. I soon felt the calling to pursue formal training in Children’s Ministry, and I enrolled in a Master's program at DUB (Degree in Biblical Studies and Ministry). This program deepened my understanding of child development from a Christian perspective, helping me to refine my approach to teaching and leading children in their faith. Reflecting on my life journey, I see how each experience has uniquely prepared me for this stage of my education. My early years of serving in the church, my background in teaching, and my cultural exposure have all shaped my personal values of service, community, and faith-centered education. These values have fueled my desire to pursue higher education at this stage in my life—not as an end, but as a means to more effectively serve the children and families in my church and broader community. I believe that with a stronger theological and developmental foundation, I can make an even greater impact on the lives of children, helping them build a faith that lasts. The experiences I have gained through both my teaching career and my ministry work have solidified my commitment to community service. My aspiration is to continue nurturing children’s faith, equipping their parents, and building a community of believers who walk together in love and truth. The education I am receiving will allow me to enhance my skills as a leader, communicator, and mentor, and will also deepen my ability to address the unique challenges that children face in today’s world. This scholarship would play a vital role in enabling me to complete my studies and continue pursuing my calling. It would relieve some of the financial burdens that come with higher education, allowing me to dedicate more time and energy to my ministry work. With this opportunity, I am confident that I can further develop the tools and knowledge necessary to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of the children and families I serve.

From a young age, I was immersed in the life of the church, where I grew up serving in various roles. My journey into ministry began as a Sunday school teacher and grew over the years into a deeper commitment to serving children and families in the church. I have always felt a strong sense of calling to work with children—guiding them in their faith, helping them grow spiritually, and equipping their families to be the primary faith nurturers. This passion has driven my educational and professional journey, leading me to pursue a Master's degree in Children’s Ministry and, eventually, to become the Children’s Pastor at my church. As a child, I was actively involved in the church, playing the piano for services, leading music, and directing the choir. These experiences laid a foundation of service and leadership that has influenced my life in ministry. After earning a degree and a master's in Spanish Language and Culture, I became fluent in three languages—Portuguese, Spanish, and English—skills that have allowed me to connect with diverse communities and to reach children from various cultural backgrounds. For over a decade, I worked as a teacher, and this experience gave me valuable insight into how children learn and develop. It also strengthened my desire to serve them, not only in an educational context but also in a spiritual one. When I moved to the United States eight years ago, I began volunteering in my church’s children’s ministry. This was a pivotal moment in my life, as it allowed me to channel my teaching experience into a ministry that was close to my heart. I soon felt the calling to pursue formal training in Children’s Ministry, and I enrolled in a Master's program at DUB (MA in Children’s Ministry). This program deepened my understanding of child development from a Christian perspective, helping me to refine my approach to teaching and leading children in their faith. Four years ago, I was blessed to step into the role of Children’s Pastor at my church. In this position, I am not only able to lead children in worship and biblical teaching but also equip parents to be the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. I firmly believe that the family plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s faith, and my ministry focuses on partnering with parents to build strong foundations in the home. Working with children brings me joy and fulfillment, and I consider it a privilege to serve in this capacity. My calling to children’s ministry is rooted in my love for children, my desire to see them grow in their faith, and my passion for supporting families in this essential work.