For Reina, choosing a college meant finding a place where she could grow in both her faith and her future career. With a passion for creativity and a desire to make an impact through business, she was drawn to SEU through her church network and the opportunity for faith-based learning.
What began as an interest in marketing and management quickly became something more: a space where she could develop her gifts, gain real-world experience, and grow into her calling. Now set to graduate in May 2027 with a BS in Management and a BS in Marketing, Reina’s time at SEU has prepared her to step into her career and for all that her future holds.
Learning Through Real Experience
When Reina reflects on her time at SEU, one word stands out: prepared.
Through her work with SEU Creative, the university’s marketing department, she’s been able to take what she learns in the classroom and apply it in real time.
“Seeing classroom concepts come to life through actual campaigns has built my confidence tremendously,” she shared.
From marketing strategy to branding and communication, those hands-on experiences have given her practical skills and a clear understanding of how to lead and create in professional environments.
Strength in Every Season
Preparation for Reina hasn’t only come through academics; it’s also been shaped through personal experiences that have strengthened her resilience and faith.
“SEU hasn’t just prepared me for a job,” she said. “It has prepared me for responsibility, leadership, and real-life challenges.”
Through both joyful and difficult seasons, she’s learned how to balance commitments: academics, work, family, and her relationship with God.
“I’ve learned that I can lead, create, problem-solve, and persevere, even in difficult moments.”
That growth has shaped her into someone who approaches challenges more prepared than ever before.
A Passion for Creativity and Business
Reina’s decision to pursue management and marketing came from a blend of creativity and real-world experience.
“I’ve always loved creativity and event planning,” she said. “This degree felt like the perfect mix of strategy and creativity.”
Her small business, Bluejay’s Vintage, played a key role in that decision, giving her firsthand experience in branding, storytelling, and ethical business practices.
Through her coursework, she’s learned how to integrate Christian values — such as integrity in leadership and stewardship in decisionmaking — into her business. .
“These principles will guide how I lead teams, build brands, and serve others,” she shared.
Professors Who Open Doors
Throughout her time at SEU, Reina has been supported by faculty and staff who have helped her step into new opportunities.
Her faculty advisor, Beth Leslie, encouraged her to pursue a double major in management and marketing, helping her see her potential more clearly. Early on, her enrollment counselor, Chris Bryant, also played a key role in guiding her through the admissions and scholarship process.
Professors like Marissa Bloodworth and Nicole Bradham have continued to challenge and inspire her.
“They’ve pushed me to grow, work hard, and confidently step into new opportunities,” she said.
A Supportive Community
Reina has found a strong community through House groups (student-led discipleship groups), the First-Gen Club, SEU Creative, and her relationships with her classmates and roommates.
“These relationships have been built on shared faith, collaboration, and encouragement,” she shared.
Her involvement as social media chair for the First-Gen Club also helped her grow in leadership and communication, while her work with SEU Creative provided real-world experience that will carry into her future career.
Faith That Shapes 
At SEU, Reina’s faith has grown alongside her academic and professional development.
“Chapel, House groups, and even classroom devotionals have deepened my faith,” she shared.
She’s also been impacted by SEU Conference, which has played a significant role in shaping her understanding of calling and purpose.
Through these experiences, she’s learned that her career and her faith don’t have to exist separately, butthey can work together.
Looking Ahead
As Reina looks toward the future, she feels confident in the foundation SEU has given her.
She sees endless possibilities ahead in business and marketing to event planning, creative work, and ministry.
“I’m learning to let God lead me in the direction He wants me to go,” she said. “I don’t feel pressure to choose just one path.”
Her desire is simple: to use whatever opportunities come her way to reflect Christ and serve others.
Community Focus
Reina’s story reflects what it means to be prepared at SEU. She has experienced what it’s like to become equipped not only with knowledge and skills, but with faith, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose.
For students considering SEU, her encouragement is rooted in her own experience.
“If you’re looking for a place where you are truly known, spiritually nurtured, academically challenged, and supported in every season, SEU is the place for you.”
National College Decision Day is May 1!
So, why not join students like Reina and find community with SEU, too? Visit SEU.edu/withSEU to take your next steps and discover more about how you belong with SEU.
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