Meet our new Leadership Associate - Grace Medrano!
We are so excited to introduce you to Grace! She will be our first ever Leadership Associate, a one year position that offers a recent graduate a chance to learn the ropes of working at a non-profit campus ministry.
Tell us a bit about your background.
My family is originally from Honduras, but I was born and raised in Northern Virginia! I grew up attending a Hispanic church in Petworth, D.C. I hold my church so near to my heart -- it has been a refuge, a home, and a family for me. I grew up singing old worship songs in Spanish, eating pupusas in the lobby after service, and receiving hugs from a dozen different hermanas on Sunday. Coming to UVA and stepping into American Christian community was a pretty significant culture shock! I am so glad to be here though, and I'd love to talk more about my thoughts on culture, faith, and belonging.
What drew you to Theological Horizons? How is it different for you than other Fellowship groups at UVa?
I was drawn to TH because of its commitment to making a space for both Christians and seekers within academia. TH does a really great job of creating an environment where all are welcome to come together, discuss big ideas, and find a welcoming community. TH is also unique in that it allows students to explore faith while asking questions, engaging in dialogue, and engaging in self-reflection. It's awesome to have the opportunity to engage with faith intellectually.
What's your role at TH and what are some hopes you have within it?
This year I'll be a Leadership Associate with TH and I'm super excited! I'll be helping to plan and implement TH events and programs. I'm hoping to grow in understanding of my talents and abilities and have a better idea of what kind of career I want to pursue in the future. I'm also super excited to work alongside TH staff and students!
What kind of work could you see yourself doing 5 years from now?
I graduated undergrad having obtained a TESOL certificate. I'd love to work with adult English-language learners here in the US, maybe teaching English? I'm still figuring that part out! I studied Mandarin Chinese in high school and college and it's my ultimate bucket list item to teach abroad in mainland China or Taiwan. Overall, I'm passionate about providing support for adult immigrant populations and I'm also passionate about Christian ministry. We will see where I end up!
If you had a free day in Charlottesville, how would you spend it?
A friend took me tubing on the Rivanna earlier this summer! It was so restful and restorative to just float along with the current. I'd probably choose to go tubing at Riverview Park with some friends and then grab pizza at Mellow Mushroom.