Jailly Gadea-Sanchez’s passion for teaching has never wavered during her university career. “I chose this major because I want to help students succeed in school and in life,” she said. “I want to help kids believe they are smart enough to do hard things. I want to instill confidence in them so they grow to be confident adults.”
“I struggled with believing in myself throughout my elementary years, so I know how it feels to think that way,” she continued. “That is why I am very passionate about teaching and making a difference in the lives of my future students.”
A graduate of Maplewood Academy, Union seemed like the logical next step when Gadea-Sanchez was looking at colleges. “I had always thought about attending Union because it was the closest Adventist university to where I live in Blaine, Minnesota,” she said. “I also remember coming to Union for tournaments and music festivals during high school and seeing how powerful the worship here was. I saw how intentional Union was with their worship programs, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
That vision of herself helping lead in praise and worship came true during her four years at Union. “I have enjoyed growing my spiritual gift of singing and being able to lead others to Christ through music, which is something I always dreamt of as a kid,” she said. “I’ve really appreciated how Union changed my view of Jesus for the better. That is something I will be eternally grateful for!”
Gadea-Sanchez also built strong friendships in her four years as a Warrior athlete. “I have enjoyed being a part of the women’s basketball team,” she said. “It has made a huge impact in my life. I learned how to have mental toughness and how to work with others to reach a goal. I have also learned I can push myself in uncomfortable situations and encourage others to believe in themselves.”
Where she’ll land after graduation is still up in the air for Gadea-Sanchez, but she is excited to see where God leads. Reflecting on her four years at Union, she has some advice for incoming freshmen and current students.
“Lean on God for strength,” she said. “For three years, I was trying to go through school on my own. It wasn’t until junior year that I got burnt out and realized something had to change. This last summer, I realized how important it is to pray for strength and to bring your worries and burdens to God; He can make your load light. He will give you the strength you need to push when school and life get hard. Include Jesus in your day every day. Take some time in your day to be still and to reflect, relax, and pray whether that means waking up a little earlier in the morning, taking some time in the middle of your day, or even at night.”
“I promise you, that even on the busiest day, when you pray and bring your worries to God, you will end the day having done everything you needed to and with little to no anxiety and stress,” Gadea-Sanchez continued. “God is there waiting to help, all we need to do is open the door just a little bit for Him to come in.”
by Rebekah Fingerson, a junior English education major from Wisconsin