Support Carlos-Andres: A Faithful Path to PLNU

Would you please help me to pay for my education expenses such as tuition, housing, meals and other expenses? Thank you. May God triple your blessings for blessing me.

My name is Carlos-Andres and this is my essay outlining my human story that got me accepted into "Point Loma Nazarene University", making me the first in my family to attend a university.

PLNU Accomplishment Essay

What does it truly mean to become an adult? Some might say it happens on your 18th birthday, but for me, it happened much earlier when I realized that life is not just a game but a responsibility we are born into. I remember a conversation with a family member who once asked me, “Why is it that when we pass away, we are buried in a suit, but when we are born, we are wrapped in simple clothing?” He told me it should be the opposite. “We are born into this world to fulfill a purpose and work toward it. Once we grow old, that purpose is passed down from generation to generation.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand his perspective. But as I grew older, his words stayed with me. He used the analogy of the suit and simple clothing to illustrate that from birth, we are thrown into a world that expects us to work and strive. “Why not be born in a suit?” he questioned. “And when we pass away, we should be laid to rest in comfortable clothing, because that is when we finally get to rest.” Initially, I struggled to see the world through his eyes. However, as I matured, I came to understand that adulthood is not just about working or fulfilling societal expectations; it's about responsibility, perseverance, and faith. As a Christian, I believe our purpose extends beyond work; we are called to walk this earth to preach the gospel and follow Christ, even when faced with trials, hardships, and obstacles. Adulthood doesn’t come with a warning; it sneaks up on you in the quietest moments. For me, it wasn’t marked by a grand ceremony or a single achievement. It was the day I truly understood what it means to take responsibility, not just for myself, but for others. Looking back, these are the pivotal events that have shaped me into the young adult I am today. Each one pushed me to grow, challenged my perspective, and ultimately guided me toward the realization that adulthood is not just a phase of life; it is a mindset built through perseverance, faith, and purpose.

One of the most defining moments of my childhood was growing up without a father figure until the age of five. Before my mom met my dad in 2011, she raised me on her own, instilling in me the values of independence, strength, gratitude, and humility. My mother was not just my caretaker; she was my role model, showing me firsthand what it means to overcome hardship with resilience and faith. I vividly remember the days when I would accompany her to sell fruit, watching as she worked tirelessly to provide for the two of us. She was my source of strength, embodying perseverance in every step she took. There were countless days when she walked miles, carrying baskets of fruit, determined to make ends meet. Despite facing financial struggles and naysayers who doubted her success, she never lost faith. She taught me that obstacles are not roadblocks but stepping stones. Because of my mother’s dedication and unwavering faith, I learned to embrace hard work and appreciate the small victories in life. She empowered me to excel in school, contribute at home, and take pride in my work. Most importantly, she showed me that being a man of God means standing firm in the face of adversity. Thanks to her, I now understand that challenges and setbacks do not define me; my perseverance and faith do. Without my mother, the Lord, and the trials I have faced, I would not be the person I am today.

From a young age, I was drawn to entrepreneurship and marketing, passions that were shaped by key experiences throughout my life. At just 11 years old, I launched my first brand, Corazón Cake Pops, where I baked everything from scratch and sold my products at pop-up events around Whittier. This venture taught me the value of hard work, creativity, and customer engagement. It sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. More recently, I founded Lifting Kingdom, a Christian gym and street apparel brand that integrates my faith into every piece. This brand is one of my proudest achievements, not just for its success but for the purpose behind it. Through Lifting Kingdom, I have been able to merge my love for fitness, business, and faith into something that reflects my values and beliefs. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been criticism for incorporating Christianity into my designs. Many brands shy away from religious themes, fearing they will limit their audience. However, I refuse to compromise on my faith. The foundation of my brand is Luke 17:21: “Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” This verse reminds me that our strength and purpose come from within through our relationship with God. Building this business has not only solidified my identity as an entrepreneur but has also strengthened my Christian faith. It has taught me to stand firm in my beliefs despite challenges, to embrace rejection as part of the journey, and to trust that God will guide my path. This experience has been instrumental in my transition from childhood to adulthood, as it has given me a sense of purpose and responsibility beyond myself.

In conclusion, reflecting on these experiences, I now understand that life is not just about working and striving; it is about living with purpose, and it is defined by maturity, responsibility, perseverance, and faith. Watching my mother’s resilience, launching my own business, and navigating challenges with an unwavering belief in God have all shaped me into the person I am today. Adulthood doesn’t happen overnight. It is a journey of growth, marked by moments of hardship and triumph, by lessons learned through struggle, and by the courage to embrace responsibility. For me, the defining moment was not a single event but a combination of experiences that pushed me to become stronger, more self-reliant, and more faithful in God’s plan for my life. As I continue forward, I do so with the lessons I have learned, the faith that guides me, and the unwavering belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

Would you please help me to pay for my education expenses such as tuition, housing, meals and other expenses?

Thank you. May God triple your blessings for blessing me.

MERCH at: liftingkingdom.com