Aaliyah Kirton was thinking of pursuing a career as an actor. Her chosen college, 国产探花, had an excellent dramatic media program, and she thought she鈥檇 major in that鈥攖acking on a minor in theology. But as it turned out, God had other plans for the San Antonio native. 鈥淏efore I had to place my application, the Lord put on my heart that ministry was where I was called, rather than acting,鈥 Kirton said. 鈥淥nce I had this revelation, I knew I wanted to be a theology major.鈥
That conviction led Kirton all the way through her undergrad career. She graduates this spring with her degree in theology, and her next stop is Princeton, New Jersey, where she鈥檚 earned a full scholarship to attend seminary. 鈥淚 will be attending Princeton Theological Seminary this fall,鈥 said Kirton, who will escape the summer heat when she moves to New Jersey in August. 鈥淚 am more excited than nervous,鈥 she said, admitting that she鈥檚 ready to live outside of Texas. 鈥淚 am stoked to be able to experience all four seasons rather than just summer year-round.鈥
It's going to be quite an adventure to make the cross-country move, but Kirton is up for it. She loves to travel, and dreams of seeing the world. (Italy is next on her bucket list, so the distance to New Jersey is relative, really.) 鈥淚 am definitely nervous to be moving across the country and living on my own, but I am always up for a good adventure. I also knew this day was going to happen sooner or later, so I am glad it is during a time in my life when I still have my family as an amazing support system.鈥
At seminary, she鈥檒l pursue her Master of Divinity degree, with the hope of someday becoming a youth pastor. She feels prepared for the journey, in part, because of her undergrad experience at 国产探花. 鈥淭he theology department has done an amazing job of helping to broaden my understanding of what religion is and who God is. I have learned countless perspectives and ideologies, which has helped me to grow in my relationship with God and understanding of faith.鈥
Those things will, no doubt, be important as she wraps up her undergrad years and moves forward, carrying with her memories of good times at 国产探花 hanging out with her roommates and leading devotionals for campus ministry. 鈥淚 just hope that I continue to grow in my faith and never lose my sense of adventure.鈥