For Gift of Hope recipient Joshua Hadler, being a preacher's kid was easy. His five siblings kept him focused.
Joshua grew up in a loving family. His mom is both a pastor and a tennis pro, his dad a quality manager for the 3M Company. Joshua attends his parents' alma mater, Missouri University of Science and Technology.
As a child and youth, he enjoyed sports, especially tennis.
"We loved bonding together while playing," Joshua recalled. "We are very competitive with tennis. It was awesome growing up with so many siblings since there was never a dull moment."
When he and his siblings were not competing, they helped their mom with children's ministries.
"My siblings and I enjoy helping my mom in teaching children about God," Joshua said.
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Joshua's family is a joy to him. "They have always encouraged me to be the best I can in everything that I do," he added, "and they are the main reason I am doing so well in college right now."
At MUST, Joshua chose a career in chemical engineering.
Joshua heard about the Gift of Hope scholarship through his mom, pastor of Montrose Zion United Methodist Church in Akron, Ohio. His church family has been another source of support while in college. "It is really nice having so many people who genuinely care about me doing well," he said. "So many people have been in my shoes, whether it was a year ago or 30 years ago."
Thanks to your gifts on United Methodist Student Day, Joshua's parents were relieved of some of the financial pressure of sending him to college. "It has shown me," he said, "how so many people really care about me doing well and support me."
In college, Joshua has met many people from different backgrounds and cultures, forging unforgettable experiences and connections.
Why should the church give generously on United Methodist Student Day? "Children are the future of the church and the world," Joshua replied. "If you support students to get an education, it makes the church and the world a better place overall."
At school, he coordinated an event for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE) and mentored underprivileged elementary students. "This has allowed me to continue my passion for making a positive influence on kids," he explained.
Joshua's future appears promising. "I plan to make a difference in the world," he said, "by coming up with new innovations to better this planet and society."
Joshua's ultimate goal is to graduate with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineer and find a full-time job. "I will use my faith to make moral decisions for whatever company I work for," he continue. "With a job, I plan to support my hopeful future family and continue to be an active member of the church."
Lladale Carey, web content producer, United Methodist Communications
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.
