Major: Accounting & Management
Hometown: Quer茅taro, Mexico
For Fernando Nunez, a foreign exchange student from Quer茅taro, Mexico, the Judson experience has been nothing less than transformative. When Fernando first arrived at Judson, his purpose was purely academic, and while he has grown academically, he has also experienced incredible growth culturally, personally, and spiritually. As he looks back over the last four years, Fernando believes he鈥檚 experienced Judson鈥檚 vision firsthand. It really does shape lives that shape the world.
When Fernando came to the United States, he explains that he thought Americans would be cold and unfriendly, and he couldn鈥檛 imagine finding a place of belonging with them. 鈥淚 was completely wrong,鈥� Fernando says. At Judson, he found people who welcomed him, answered his questions, and celebrated his differences.
At first, he didn鈥檛 want anything to do with Christianity, but as he started asking questions about God, dialoguing with followers of Jesus, and seeking truth, his faith began to grow. 鈥淚 was a nonbeliever,鈥� Fernando states, 鈥渂ut when I came to Judson, I found genuine disciples of Christ, who led me to salvation, and God met me.鈥� Since becoming a Christian, Fernando got baptized, started leading a Bible study every week, and went on missions trips to Belize, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C.
In addition to the various ministry opportunities he鈥檚 been involved in on campus, Fernando played on the soccer team, served on the worship team and with Bible Boys, delivered a message in chapel, and worked with Judson Student Organization as the President and Treasurer. As an Accounting and Management major, he鈥檚 also had the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in Judson鈥檚 Business office. Even amidst his busy schedule, he has sustained a 4.0 GPA, which has secured his place on the Dean鈥檚 List and as a Roeser Scholar.
Reflecting on his time at Judson, Fernando thinks of his experience as truly indescribable. 鈥淛udson has led me to redemption and eternal life through its people, its spiritual engagement, and the genuineness of faith that was all around me,鈥� he explains. 鈥淢y life has been completely changed for the better.鈥�