Paulette (pictured) was a freshman in high school when her family arrived in Austin as asylum seekers from Africa. She didn’t know the language, the culture, or what to expect when she arrived for her first day of high school. But she and her family had an abiding sense that the Lord was with them, leading them to a new, safer home and opportunity.

Paulette quickly learned English and began to excel in school and on the basketball court. “I could see that Paulette was a natural leader,” Coach John Nelson her math teacher and basketball coach shares, “She learned quickly in the classroom and on the court. By the time she was a Junior, Paulette was helping other students with math and leading the basketball team as a captain.” Paulette and her family attend an African church, and she grew in faith through Young Life in high school. Paulette graduated with honors as the two-time player of the year in basketball for her district. Now she is in college studying and playing basketball.

Paulette has plans to go to law school to become an immigration attorney. “I want to help others whose families are in the same situation mine was. I want people to live freely and legally in this country – to have all the opportunities that I have had.”

Paulette is a member of ABBA’s inaugural faith and work summer cohort for college students. College students will meet weekly to examine how their faith impacts their decisions on work and careers, visit local Christian-run businesses, and receive mentorship from Christian business professionals. The goal is to help students think through how their faith frames their work and seek wisdom on future work opportunities from God and those who have gone before.

Would you consider sponsoring Paulette and her peers for this summer? Cohort costs are $1,000 per student and could help spur Paulette and her peers on their faith and future careers. Thank you for partnering with ABBA to help encourage, connect and equip Austin's next generation of faith and business leaders.

College Summer Faith & Work

By AUSTIN BRIDGE BUILDERS ALLIANCE

College Summer Faith & Work