The native of Nairobi, Kenya, remembers feeling overwhelmed by the available choices. "We had recruiters from schools across Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia visit my school," she said.

Several years ago, when Revina Karani was assessing her options for college, the whole world lay before her. The native of Nairobi, Kenya, remembers feeling overwhelmed by the available choices. "We had recruiters from schools across Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia visit my school," she said.

Her school counsellor suggested Baylor University. She initially was hesitant, thinking that Texas didn't sound exciting enough. "Somewhere like California or New York sounded far more appealing - like the perfect places to explore and be independent," she said. "Thankfully, God had other plans."

Revina recalls that, since she couldn't travel to the colleges she was considering, she became reliant on others to help her get a sense of each institution. "Baylor's admissions office was consistently available, kind, and patient," she said. "The admissions counsellor even went as far scheduling multiple Skype calls with me to physically show me the campus. Even through a screen, I could feel the joy that students, staff, and faculty exuded in their interactions and toward their roles in the Baylor community."

ACHIEVING A DREAM

Revina arrived in Waco in the fall of 2019. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and international studies in 2023, and today she's completing a combined Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work as a Baylor graduate student.

The support of family back home and friends and mentors at Baylor have played an invaluable role in her success, she said. Also of great importance has been receiving the C.T. "Sparkey" and Merrie Beckham/George W. Truett Theological Seminary Endowed Scholarship, which will be enhanced through estate gifts in the future.

"The Beckham/Truett scholarship has been a direct answer to prayer. This scholarship came at a time when I truly thought I would have to pause my academic career to gain some financial stability," Revina said. "It came when I needed a reminder, proof that Jesus hears and that He can do the impossible."

Through the generosity of such donors and Baylor's institutional help, Revina said that her hope was renewed as she began pursuing her graduate education. "The Lord has used this gift to bless me, and I pray He may bless those who continue to support students like me to persist, to hope, and to achieve their dreams," she said.

GOD'S GRACE

When Revina reflects on the years she has spent at Baylor, and what has been most important to her during that time, she said her favorite part of being a Baylor student was knowing that she belonged to a community that cared about the holistic growth of each individual.

"Traits like integrity, patience, vulnerability, and persistence are just a few of the values that Baylor teaches and embodies in every sphere," she said. "The Baylor interdisciplinary and high-quality academic and professional experience nurtures well-rounded individuals to be societal pillars."

Revina believes her experience at Baylor has provided her a solid foundation that will allow her to serve and positively contribute to the surrounding world, wherever her next journey takes her. She also is a strong believer in the power of intentional and prayerful philanthropy.

"Those who give to student scholarships not only support Baylor's mission to share Christ's light to the world, but they also support the dreams and purposes for each recipient," she said. "For me and for many others in the Baylor Family, student scholarships are like a stepping-stone that equalizes the playing field to eliminate hurdles to our success. Gifts like these allow students like me to dream again, to dream of a future that, by God's grace, is within our reach."