The Freshman Journey

Diana Jimenez

Nursing
Sacramento, CA

A college education was a dream for Diana Jimenez, especially an education from a four-year university. From a single-parent home and financially burdened family, Jimenez dreams to make a difference through serving others and sharing the hope of Christ.

Jimenez’ family struggled financially the first part of her childhood. This was followed by a period of stability until they moved to California in the year 2000.

“We came here (California) with nothing, so we had to start from ground zero. We’re still there,” said Jimenez.

Jimenez’ mother moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic (DR) when she was 19, learned English and began her life here. She found her husband, Jimenez’ father, in the U.S. who had also moved from the D.R., however, he abandoned their family when Jimenez was three years old. Unfortunately, this began a life of survival for their family. 

Her family continues to be supported by welfare and does not own a car, which makes it difficult for her mother to have a job and care for Jimenez’ sister and brother and herself. Jimenez would take two buses and walk 30 minutes to and from school each day. One day, when it was pouring rain, she asked friends if she could have a ride home. When none said yes, she began walking to the bus station only to miss her bus. By the time the next bus came, she was soaked entirely and had walked approximately two miles throughout the afternoon.

“After walking the half hour to the bus stop. I was soaked, my backpack was soaked…I sat in the rain for 50 minutes. I couldn’t call anyone to come get me. I didn’t even have a penny in my backpack,” said Jimenez.

She missed multiple buses after that in between transfers and walking to bus stops. She did not arrive home until late in the evening, tired, frustrated and upset. When she arrived home, she remembers the house was warm and her mom opened the door and just hugged her.

“After crying and being frustrated, I stopped and thought to myself there are people who have days like these but have no where to go at the end of the day,” said Jimenez. “I feel safe in my home and that’s when I really started to appreciate what God had for me. Even though, things weren’t the best, but I lived in a place where I could get help.”

Jimenez’ heart was transformed by God through different experiences and her current hope in life and God is evident. She now wants to give hope to others through studying nursing at Biola University.

“I think it would be wonderful to be a nurse,” she said. “You can talk with them (patients), care for them, tell them stories and on special occasions, share the Gospel.”

She would also like to care for those who have been in similar situations like hers.

“It’s my dream to not only get my mom out of the low income situation but to also reach out to people who don’t have hope. Let them know that Christ can save them. I also just love…telling [people] stories, making them laugh,” said Jimenez.

Jimenez is now studying nursing to help others and care for them physically. She thought it would be impossible for her to attend and pay for a four-year university, however God has continually provided for her through scholarships, financial aid, grants and loans.

“The Lord is good…He has provided me with grants, financial aid and I won nine scholarships,” said Jimenez.

One scholarship Jimenez applied for was the 1992 Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders’ scholarship. She did not receive the scholarship, however, Sanders’ mother read Jimenez’ essay and she contacted Jimenez to help her with tuition.

“I got a small letter from her (Sanders) mom that said I hope this little bit can help you with your college tuition. I was thinking maybe $500, the check was $2500 — how much I needed to finish for the year,” she said.

Jimenez had applied to four different schools and after visiting Biola’s campus she knew Biola was the right place.

“I chose Biola and even from the first day I got here, I felt so loved by people and I felt like I could be myself,” said Jimenez.

Jimenez said it was hard to leave home, but “it was more of a joy than sad to leave.”

“Biola is amazing,” she said. “What a privilege to get a college education at a private Christian college."

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