Katie

Katie is an enthusiastic and hardworking student at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. “I grew up in a Christian home in Bangor, where my brother, sister, and I were raised by parents who were deeply involved in church. When I was eight, my parents divorced, and my dad moved out, marking a challenging period for our family.”

Her family stopped attending church regularly as Katie’s mom navigated raising three children on her own. “It wasn't until I turned twelve and started attending my local WyldLife club that I reconnected with my faith. Alongside my sister, I made the personal decision in 2019 to walk with Jesus again, a journey that deepened during a transformative experience at a Young Life camp in Cairn Brae. It was there that I moved from a religious routine to a personal relationship with Jesus. Returning home, I became active in a local church, which provided me with the support and accountability needed to grow in my faith. I eventually chose to become a Young Life leader to give back to the community that had such a profound impact on my life.”

Now, as part of the Developing Global Leaders program, Katie is pursuing a degree in criminology, “I believe this will equip me with the knowledge and skills to work with vulnerable women and children, helping them to create new paths and opportunities in life. I am passionate about using my education to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in difficult circumstances.”