Starting already in high school, Julia DeWeerd had a keen interest in math and science. She excelled in these subjects and decided early on that the most logical career path for her would be to become an engineer. But little did she know at the time that God had a different plan for her.<\/p>\n
When the time came for DeWeerd to start thinking about post-secondary education options, she began by looking at schools that offered engineering programs. Though Redeemer was known to her at the time, she decided to apply elsewhere. \u201cI had thought about coming to Redeemer but quickly looked past it because it didn\u2019t have an engineering program,\u201d she recalls. \u201cMy mind was made up.\u201d<\/p>\n
DeWeerd applied to multiple universities and eventually accepted an offer of admission at a public university in Ontario. She graduated high school and began her studies, working towards the degree and career she felt called to pursue.<\/p>\n
Two months into her first semester of university \u2014 the middle of midterm season \u2014DeWeerd attended a Church-in- the-Box service with a friend who was currently attending Redeemer. \u201cThroughout the service, I started to feel jealous of my friend\u2019s experience at university and how different it was from mine,\u201d DeWeerd admits. \u201cIt was becoming more evident to me that God was leading me somewhere other than an engineering degree, but I didn\u2019t want to be a quitter.\u201d<\/p>\n
“It was tremendously difficult to leave my whole future in God\u2019s hands, but I needed help in making a decision.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Though she continued her studies in engineering for another month, it became more and more apparent that a public university experience was not a good fit. She knew that she needed a change but was unsure where God was calling her. So, she spent an evening in prayer. \u201cIt was tremendously difficult to leave my whole future in God\u2019s hands,\u201d says DeWeerd, \u201cbut I needed help in making a decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
The following morning, she attended church with her family. At the very end of the service, the congregation sang the hymn \u201cMy Redeemer Lives\u201d together. It was during that song that DeWeerd felt God nudging her towards a different course \u2014 a change of major and a change of university.<\/p>\n
As soon as she got home, she told her parents about her experience in church that morning \u2014 that she had felt God calling her to study at Redeemer. \u201cWhen I told my parents, they were so happy for me. We inquired immediately, with both my previous university and Redeemer, about how to transfer programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having enjoyed the business elective courses she took in her first semester of university, DeWeerd decided she wanted to switch into Redeemer\u2019s Business program. Overall, DeWeerd says, the transition was smooth. \u201cI immediately felt right at home at Redeemer,\u201d she adds. \u201cPeople already knew my name, I wasn\u2019t just another number in the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now that DeWeerd has completed her second semester at Redeemer, she is confident that she made the right choice. She is eager to see how God will continue to use her experience to shape her. \u201cThis year, I made friends that are my family away from home. I am loving every day of learning within a faith community.\u201d<\/p>\n