Where Faith, Friendship, and Community Meet: Jalisa’s Story

When Jalisa first arrived at Purdue University, she had no idea that Wesley Foundation would become her home away from home. For Jalisa, Wesley was more than just a home, it’s where she found faith, friendships, and even her future husband. 

“My time at Wesley was easily my favorite time at Purdue,” she recalls. “I remember my first week moving in. My friends who were already on campus brought me to Wesley and I'd never felt so accepted.”

Jalisa quickly found her community in Wesley’s praise band and enjoyed singing during Wesley worship on Sundays. Eventually, she also started helping out in the kitchen, noting she loved Midnight Pancakes. As she looks back on all of the activities she participated in, one thing that stood out was the sense of connection through alumni and current students. 

“One thing I always found magical was that across the different graduate years, we all blended together,” Jalisa said. “It didn't matter if someone graduated in the sixties or the previous year, Wesley students and alumni alike have a sense of connection and community beyond the four walls of our church that I cherish today.”

It was through the Wesley community that Jalisa met lifelong friends, and her husband, David. The two met in 2018 through a Wesley and Purdue choir crossover. Just four years later, the two were happily married.

Back in the day, Wesley was the place Jalisa went to do homework and take a well deserved study break with friends. Today, her energy has shifted from homework to reigniting an old passion, long distance running. She shared, “Those who know me won't be shocked to know I broke my leg and then later that year ran my first half marathon!” And now, her sights are set on something bigger: “I'll be running my first marathon later this year.”

For Jalisa, Wesley was more than a college ministry, it was the start of her future. “I’ll always hold my memories at Wesley close to my heart; it really was my second home on campus and my favorite part of Purdue. Boiler up!”

We are so proud of our alumna, Jalisa, and all that she has and continues to accomplish. Our goal at Wesley is to create an environment where students feel at home and always feel welcome to come back.