“You Don’t Have to Know Everything”: Angelica’s Story

Angelica was nearly a senior when she got involved in InterVarsity.

It started when she met Joy Hope in a dorm kitchen at Southern Methodist University. Their friendship began in the form of casual chats while doing the dishes or cooking. As they got to know each other, the conversations became more spiritual.

Though she already had a solid relationship with God, Angelica hadn’t yet found a good fit when it came to Christian community. Senior year was just a summer away. Near the end of junior year, Joy Hope invited Angelica to InterVarsity. 

Her yes was transformational.

An Intro to Christian Community

As a senior new to the InterVarsity community, Angelica sometimes felt a step behind other students. 

“When I went to my first Bible study, I was a little intimidated because there was a roomful of students who knew the terminology,” she said.  “I had never sat down to read any book in the Bible.” 

Angelica started meeting weekly with her campus staff Camden, which grew her knowledge of Scripture. But when Camden asked Angelica to consider leadership, she felt unqualified and initially said no. 

“I just did not feel worthy. I did not feel like I knew enough,” she said. 

After that conversation, however, Angelica began to pray about it. When one of her friends –– who knew nothing about what was going on –– made an offhand comment about how Angelica should lead a Bible study, she realized God had given her an answer.

So, despite her doubts, she told Camden yes.

Leaders Don’t Have to be Perfect

Before she started her Bible study, Angelica accepted Camden’s invitation to attend Urbana 25. Being around 7,000 Christians was encouraging, but when it came to her future leadership, she still had doubts.  

That changed when the student leading her Bible study at the conference admitted something to the group: this was only her second or third time leading a study like this!

 “I never would have known that,” Angelica told her. “You seem so confident. You seem like you knew what you were doing.” 

When Angelica returned to campus, she was encouraged. “If she can do it, I can do it,” she decided.

Her confidence increased even more when Camden assigned Joy Hope –– the friend who first invited Angelica to InterVarsity –– to be her co-leader. 

The Role of Vulnerability

Angelica and Joy Hope wanted their Bible study to be a judgment-free space where everyone, even those less familiar with Scripture, could feel welcome. To create that, Angelica decided to be humble and honest about her own story.

“I know what it feels like to know you’re Christian, but then if someone were to ask me where Corinthians is, I would not be able to tell you. I believe in my heart that doesn’t discount me as a Christian,” she said. “I have nothing to hide. I’ll always share my testimony and I’ll always be honest.”

As she co-led with Angelica, Joy Hope found herself inspired too. 

“I grew up in Kenya, [where] we are taught don’t tell people your secrets. Don’t tell people about your story because no one is really out here to support you,” Joy Hope shared. “I find it hard to be vulnerable with people, especially with my walk with Christ and who I was before that. [Angelica is] teaching me slowly that it’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to tell your story. We all learn from each other.”

The new Bible study, which began this semester in the spring of 2026, is attended by around five people of different faith backgrounds, some of whom are new to having a personal relationship with God. One of the students told Angelica that she loves the study so much she doesn’t want it to end. Joy Hope agrees.

“Whenever we're doing Bible study, she will talk about what she's going through, and I think that encourages other people to talk about what they're going through. She'll talk about her imperfect journey with Christ,” she said. “I don’t think there’s anyone who would be the best fit for this role other than Angelica. There’s a reason God placed it in her heart.”

Now, Angelica and Joy Hope are prayerfully exploring how they can continue the small group after Angelica graduates this year. Joy Hope may take over, but Angelica is also considering returning to volunteer. At the very least, she is planning to visit often and continue to encourage students with her story. 

“You don’t have to know everything. You don’t have to be the perfect Christian,” Angelica wants them to know. “It’s not too late. If you want to do something, let it be known. If you have the heart to share the Word with people, then being a leader is for you.”