The daughter of college graduates, Mireille Rhodes’ higher education path was paved early in life. “My mother is working on her master’s degree in Spanish,” Mireille said, “and my father has a Ph.D. in biblical studies. He serves as a local pastor.”
Raised in The United Methodist Church, Mireille said she experienced her first true connection with God at age 13 when she attended Camp Aldersgate in Carrollton, Ohio. During an invitational service,” she recalled, “I committed my life to Christ.” Two years later, she was confirmed. She was active in the district youth group and served as a sound manager and a liturgist at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Rogers, Ohio.
Her Christian upbringing, Mireille said, “has brought me to the right people at the right time. I have no idea what kind of person I would be if I had not been raised in the church, or where my mental health would be if I didn’t have access to the people who helped me during [a time of spiritual struggle].”
At Camp Aldersgate, Mireille formed strong friendships and always felt welcome. “It was there,” she said, “that I decided I wanted to attend a Christian university. I wanted to surround myself in the same environment as camp.”
Mireille is grateful for her Gift of Hope scholarship supported by the United Methodist Student Day Sunday offering.
“It is helping to fund my tuition to Huntington (Indiana) University, a private Christian school,” she said. “I haven’t had to worry about working an extra job or applying for more scholarships.”
Film production is Mireille’s first love.
“My favorite college memories definitely originate with being on film sets,” she continued. “I get to spend three eight-to-12-hour days working with people who passionate about the same thing as I am.”
Throughout the four-year program, students make short films and help other classes with their films. “We serve in different set positions under upperclassman who serve help teach us the craft,” Mireille said. “During my first year, I was a part of an award-winning senior film, an award-winning junior film and two freshman films. I’m already getting to do what I want with my life.
“While we don’t openly state that we’re Christians to those with whom we work outside the university,” Mireille said, “we treat them as we would our brothers and sisters.”
Receiving formal training for film is important to Mireille. “Some people can survive in the film industry without a college degree,” she said. “I firmly believe that because I’m getting this training, I’ll be able to thrive in the industry. Without the support of my church family (and extended church family), my university education would not be possible.”
When congregations support United Methodist Student Day, traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday in November, they nurture committed young adults like Mireille Rhodes. Thank you!
Barbara Dunlap-Berg, freelance writer and editor, retired from UMCom
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The special offering provides scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants.
When you give generously on United Methodist Student Day, you support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. Give now.
Your gifts on United Methodist Student Day, enables The United Methodist Church to supports the Gift of Hope Scholarship so that students can prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge.
