Leona

Leona is a student at the Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. Raised in an atheistic family, Leona’s early years were framed by material comfort, yet the emotional and relational connections she yearned for remained elusive. The absence of genuine care left her feeling isolated and adrift during her formative teenage years. This void triggered a host of mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, and self-isolation which distanced her from her parents and her own sense of self.

When she was fifteen, she experienced a pivotal turning point when a school friend invited her to a Young Life event. This encounter provided newfound connections, both with peers her own age and compassionate Young Life leaders. The notion of Jesus, a concept she had previously approached with skepticism, began to take shape in her understanding. Gradually delving into the tenets of Christianity, she navigated this uncharted terrain through dialogues with friends, web-based exploration, and attendance at local church services. As she pieced together the mosaic of faith, she began a personal relationship with God.

Now a Developing Global Leader, Leona is studying to be a teacher. She hopes to mature as a leader, working hand in hand with children and teenagers in Brno, Czech Republic, where she resides. “I'd like to be a teacher because I have a passion for passing on knowledge to others. Part of being a teacher is also to be one of the formative people in the lives of kids. I'd like to have a positive attitude towards the kids, helping them discover and grow their potential.”