This year’s senior class religious vice president from Tallahassee, FL, is Abiel Irving, a psychology and pre-law student. Serving as class chaplain, her primary goal is to lead spiritual activities, creating a welcoming, uplifting, and fun atmosphere that reflects and shares the joyful spirit of religion. 

“While spirituality is deeply meaningful and even lifesaving, it does not have to be approached with constant solemnity,” said Abiel. “We are meant to be alive and to find joy in spiritual experiences. I want my fellow seniors to take part in our spiritual events with genuine smiles and a joy so infectious that it encourages others to want to experience it as well.”

What message do you want to emphasize to your class to help strengthen spiritual life?

Learn to thank God for what He has done for you. Every day, there is something to praise Him for: breath in your lungs, functioning limbs, and body systems, passing an exam/quiz/class, food, friends, family, or even wi-fi. There are times when we fall short of His glory, like being disobedient or selfish, but we can ask for forgiveness. 

James 1:2-4 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. And as God continues to bless us, ask Him to help you be a blessing to someone else. 

How will you make sure everyone, regardless of their beliefs, feels respected and seen?

At our spiritual events and activities, everyone will have the choice to participate or not. They will be strongly encouraged to participate but not forced. I will make sure that for those who are not SDA or Christian, there is still something for them to engage in. I want to mimic how Christ was to individuals: He never forced religion on individuals and made sure there was something everyone could relate to or learn from. 

What is your favorite thing about working with the other class officers?

My favorite thing would be the openness and honesty I can have with each officer. I find it easy to share my ideas and thoughts and receive respectful feedback. I also enjoy the laid-back, humorous, yet productive energy we have during our meetings. They are very enjoyable.

How do you maintain your own well-being and spiritual health while managing the demands of school, leadership, and personal life?

In the morning, before I start my day, I say a prayer, thanking God for allowing me to see another day and for all He has done for me. Afterwards, I read a devotional from The Upward Look by Ellen G. White. Although the devotionals are typically short, about 3-4 paragraphs, they are very deep and significant, leaving me rejuvenated. 

I finish my devotion with a closing prayer thanking God once again for His mercies and asking Him to help me apply what I learned from the devotional to my life or day. I do my best to have my devotion in the morning before I go to my classes, because when I don’t, my day feels chaotic and unorganized.

What advice do you have for seniors facing pressure or anxiety about the future? 

Believe in the promises found in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” and Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 

Can you share with us your favorite Bible verse? 

Philippians 4:13; this verse serves as the foundation for my faith. It reminds me that with Christ, I can do absolutely anything. No matter if it sounds/looks impossible or if people doubt. As long as I remember and acknowledge who my Father is, I will be able to do all things with Christ’s strength. 

How do you plan to create a lasting, positive legacy for your graduating class?

By establishing a reputation that displays God always being a present, faithful, and loving Father to His collegiate children.

What are you going to miss the most about PUC? What does this school mean to you?

I am going to miss the beauty, diversity, and close-knit community of the campus. Through the beauty, I was able to enjoy nature and the beautiful flowers, and always had a location to take my pictures. Through the diversity, I was able to network and interact with students from various ethnic backgrounds, learning about their cultures and languages. Through the close-knit community, I developed long-lasting relationships with my friends, professors, and other community members.

PUC means, to me, a place to truly connect with peers, grow in faith, share your culture, and experience God’s unconditional love.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PUC that you want to pass on to other students? 

I can fearlessly and safely climb any mountain and reach its summit as long as Christ is my harness. 

After graduation, Abiel plans to attend law school and graduate with a Juris Doctorate, J.D., degree. As of now, she is interested in becoming a medical malpractice attorney.