From Calling to Commencement: Mia deJesus’ GU Journey
Published: May 08, 2026
Author: Lydia Cahill
College serves as a training ground for life—whether hammocking on Scott’s Field, taking notes during class, or lifting weights in the gym, relationships, skills, and grit are formed at GU that will stick with students for the rest of their lives.
Nevertheless, as this year’s class of seniors can attest, four years pass by in the blink of an eye.
One such senior, Mia deJesus ’26, a sports management major with a business minor, reflected on her journey to and through Greenville University and how it has impacted her life.
Close Connections Across Campus
After learning about the small Christian University through an email campaign, deJesus chose GU to grow her faith and continue her athletic careers in volleyball and basketball. Along the way, the relationships and experiences she gained taught her unexpected lessons.
deJesus built meaningful relationships across all areas of campus life: “I have definitely grown key relationships here with my coaches, professors, and classmates that I will cherish forever,” she said.
The relationships with her professors served as a key support system through the whirlwind of college athletics.
“My professors for sports management also played sports through college, so it was easier for me to connect with them, and I went to them when I needed things because of that shared experience.”
She said of volleyball and basketball, “The back-to-back seasons are very hard mentally. It was something I had to overcome, but I'm glad I made it through. It was worth it in the end.”
Through sweat, grit, and taking command of her schedule, juggling sports and academics proved possible, and she was taught life lessons.
The senior said, “Through Greenville, I learned the difference between discipline and motivation. I may not always be motivated to do homework or go to practice, but I know what I came here to do: to get my education and do another four years of sports. Getting out of bed in the morning wasn’t always easy, especially with early morning classes, work, and practice afterward. Having the discipline to push through the day has been crucial.”
deJesus was a key player on the court for the Greenville Panthers, but she also passed on her skills and work ethic to younger players through internships and summer work opportunities organized through GU.
“We worked volleyball camps and basketball camps over the summers,” explained deJesus. “With Coach Barber, the basketball coach, I did refereeing and team camps as well. That was part of an internship I completed for my degree. I want to work in the sports world and coaching, so those were opportunities that helped me gain experience.”
During the current school year, she has taken on an additional job assisting in various places across campus. This job requires her to be flexible and tackle new challenges, but through hard work and tenacity, she has proven up to the task.
deJesus described some of her consistent responsibilities, “This year, I have had the chance to work for Isaac Barber. I do flyers and the GU Heartbeat. I also re-modify worksheets for students who need extra help with tutoring, mental wellness, and other things.”
Life Lessons and a Servant’s Heart
“Greenville has prepared me for the future through teaching time management, organization, and attention to detail,” deJesus said.
“It's important that I pay attention to small things that others may miss. Greenville has helped me with resumes, but more importantly, it has helped me connect with people. Relationships can get you very far, especially in the work world now,” the athlete added.
Additionally, the University’s small-group program has given her a chance to deepen her relationship with Christ—the most important connection any of us can make.
“I think that small groups have allowed me to open up a little bit more about myself and to connect with other people. I can learn from and see that they have gone through struggles similar to mine. Overall, I feel closer to God since I have come here.”
“Greenville has given me the chance to grow,” deJesus added,
Because of the connections she created at GU, deJesus can pay it forward by helping other students. She did this by creating a program that helps students prepare for their future careers.
“I'm started a career closet for students on campus who need professional attire for interviews, conferences, or other events that they may need to attend. My goal in this job has been to make other people's lives easier in terms of what they need.”
This senior is not just professing out her faith; she is actively living it out through a compassionate heart and service to others.
After the Stage
After graduation, deJesus plans to return to Texas, where she will focus on spending quality time with her family and continuing her academic career.
“I plan to pursue a master's degree in communications, sports information, or sports administration,” she said.
Before she leaves, deJesus has a piece of advice to current and future students, a lesson she has learned during her time here.
“Be intentional with the things you come here to do, whether that be sports or academics, but especially with your faith. Don't take it for granted because four years go by really fast. Be intentional with the people that you are around--these relationships can last forever.”
She continued, “Focus on quality time and pushing your comfort zone through things like trying new things with your friends. It could be fun, and it just builds memories!”
As deJesus’ journey through Greenville ends, she leaves with no regrets.
“Greenville is a place that I'm glad I came to. I don't regret anything about coming here because, at the end of the day, I think it benefited my life for sure.”
Whether on the court or in the classroom, GU is preparing students for meaningful lives in which they not only feel seen, known, and inspired but are also ready to spread God’s love wherever life leads them.
