Walking Across the Stage and Into Life: Reflections from a WJST Minor Grad
The personhood of Jesus is the sweetest thing I have beheld. Of His intentionality and care, I will forever be in awe. My four years as a student at Vanguard University concluded a mere five days ago, and it is impossible to deny the Lord’s hand in every step. Throughout my time studying under the excellence of Dr. Morgan, I was stretched, pulled out of my comfort zone, given a space to grow, and experienced the tenderness of Jesus.
As a student at Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice (GCWJ), I’ve had the privilege of obtaining experiences words fail to summarize. No blog post can fully encapsulate the transformative journey I’ve undergone, nor can it do justice to the strength, courage, and resilience of the survivors I’ve had the honor of speaking to and learning from.
Every day I am in awe of the men and women who are selflessly walking alongside these survivors. Those whose unwavering commitment and dedication gives victims of human trafficking the opportunity to heal, find hope, and reclaim their lives.
Human trafficking is one of the darkest, most pervasive issues in the world, and the work being done to combat it is remarkable. Through my experiences with GCWJ, I’ve seen firsthand how survivors of human trafficking are not defined by their trauma. Instead, they are resilient individuals who, despite the unimaginable horrors they’ve faced, possess an inherent value and dignity that cannot be taken away. They are created in the image of God, the Imago Dei, and have an intrinsic worth that far exceeds human comprehension. No experience, no matter how brutal, can erase this truth.
The places I’ve visited during my time at GCWJ, Spain and Greece, were beautiful, each with a deep and complex history. But as I reflect on my time abroad, it’s not the architecture, the landscapes, or even the historical landmarks that stand out to me the most. It is the survivors. The many women who have endured unimaginable suffering, yet continue to rise up, rebuild their lives, and become powerful advocates for themselves and others. Their resilience is nothing short of inspiring.
One of the most eye-opening lessons I’ve learned during my time at Vanguard is the stark contrast between the lies human trafficking tells its victims and the truth in who Jesus says they are. Traffickers rob their victims of their worth, telling them they are insignificant, unworthy, or less than. But the truth is that every survivor is a person of immense value. They are not defined by their trauma, but by their potential, their strength, their capacity for healing, and who the Lord says they are, which is beloved.
This journey has not only shaped my understanding of human trafficking, but has also fostered deep relationships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve had the chance to connect with other passionate advocates, survivors, and organizations working tirelessly to combat the injustice of human trafficking. These connections and the work of the Holy Spirit have fueled my own desire to be part of the change.
I encourage you to reach out. Whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or simply raising awareness, every action makes a difference. Organizations like the GCWJ and many others are doing incredible work as they walk alongside overcomers. Together, we can work to end the evil of human trafficking.
Being a student of Dr. Morgan at Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice has been a profound and life-changing experience. It has taught me that even in the face of darkness, there is light. There is hope, there is healing, and there is an unbreakable truth that will always prevail: every person is of immeasurable worth and created in the Imago Dei.