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Grace Ellis: Pieces of who I am

Bible study deepens student's faith

Published: August 26, 2023   

By Arkansas Catholic Staff

Courtesy of Grace Ellis

Grace Ellis, 21, looks forward to pursuing her master’s degree in speech pathology once she graduates from the University of Arkansas.

Courtesy of Grace Ellis

Grace Ellis, 21, looks forward to pursuing her master’s degree in speech pathology once she graduates from the University of Arkansas.

What are three items you can’t live without?

“The three things I cannot live without would be the community that Christ has brought me, my hammock and coffee. I love a day where I can hammock and drink coffee with my friends. It's simple but so effective, especially for my mental health. Being able to do something relaxing surrounded by like minded people is so life-giving.” 

FAYETTEVILLE AND LITTLE ROCK

When Grace Ellis found her home at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish at the University of Arkansas, she could not stop talking about it. That made her a perfect match for the development and outreach intern position she now holds, running all the social media for the parish. 

Her involvement began her freshman year when she joined a Bible study at her cousin’s prompting. 

“My sophomore year, I was always around St. Thomas,” she said with a laugh. 

That’s likely where one will find her as a senior, too. 

“I love getting to interact with everybody,” the 21-year-old said. 

She helps with the parish’s current capital campaign, stuffing envelopes and writing thank yous, and she also plans retreats and co-ed Bible studies, where she feels she has “come full circle” since her freshman year.

A graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock and a current member of Christ the King Parish, Ellis looks forward to pursuing her master’s degree in speech pathology once she graduates.

“I have made some great friendships here,” she said. “I feel like small moments along the way to today have helped define who I am. In college, I was able to put together the pieces of who I am and whose I am. I really haven't experienced this type of loving community other than being involved at St. Thomas.”

More stories will appear in our 15 Young Adults Who Inspire Us 2023 Section as they are posted online. Subscribe to Arkansas Catholic’s digital and print publications to read more content like this.

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