My name is Malia Mitchell. I am a senior and a kinesiology major with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy.
I am on the women’s tennis team, a student leader for FCA, an RA and a SAAC representative. I came to FPU in 2022 not expecting the journey that I have experienced.
When looking for schools, Fresno wasn’t my first choice. I am from Oceanside, so I didn’t know the Central Valley. However, I am so grateful God led me here because I wouldn’t change my decision. Over my four years, I have learned, changed, been challenged, cried, laughed, celebrated, been defeated and become the person I am today. This is all thanks to the opportunities I have been given, the people I have met and the path God has led me on.
Over my time, I have grown as a person in various ways spiritually, professionally and personally.
In a spiritual aspect, I have made my faith my own by making a personal relationship with Jesus, which led to my baptism after my freshman year. Through my spiritual growth, I became more connected in leadership which allowed me to serve and steward others. Additionally, I have been able to integrate faith into my sport by letting go and letting God, and working to glorify Him. Personally, I have learned to stand firm on my morals while having an open mind and awareness of others as you encounter so many kinds of people. I have also learned how to better handle conflict and be more confrontational, which has challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone (as someone who hates conflict). These challenges have helped me grow and have been some of the hardest but most important lessons I’ve learned.
There have also been several significant turning points throughout my four years.
To name a few, the opportunities that I was given (resident assistant, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, etc.) allowed me to become more involved and connected within the community and served as major focal points in my experience. I became an RA my sophomore year and was able to serve both underclassmen and upperclassmen. This experience allowed me to build deep and genuine connections with various people but also build some of the best friendships I could have ever asked for. Additionally, many of my residents have taught me various valuable things and have impacted my life in ways they aren’t even aware of. So, although I was trying to serve them, they poured into me equally. Being able to be an FCA leader has also been such a unique and fulfilling experience that I will miss, as I have been able to serve the community and partake in fellowship with others. I have been able to observe the way God is working within this community. Lastly, every year I have met so many new people, some of whom have become my best friends that I know will be in my life forever. I would not have been able to make it through this journey without their support, guidance and love, and I am so grateful to have been given the blessing of their friendship.
There have also been prominent Scriptures that have been impactful during my time at FPU.
The first is Proverbs 3:5–7, which is the verse that ignited my desire to create a personal relationship with Jesus. Secondly, Philippians 4:13 has become my “mantra” throughout my time. It is the verse that I read before every tennis match and truly allows me to trust in God and His timing. Even when I am stressed or circumstances seem difficult, this verse has allowed me to trust and know that everything will work out as I am not held by my strength alone.
If I could offer advice from what I have learned during my four years, it’d be this: don’t be afraid to say yes!
Get involved and be open to all opportunities, even if they seem uncomfortable or scary at first. They can become some of your best memories and experiences. With that, be okay with being uncomfortable because it helps you grow and challenges you. Challenge and change are good. Every year has been very different for me, and you will experience change. Embrace the change. I also encourage you to talk to anyone and everyone because having a small and close community is such a blessing. You meet so many amazing people. Lastly, enjoy the moment and appreciate all the little things (even going to the coffee shop), because it goes by so fast!
As for what’s next, I will be attending University of St. Augustine of Health Sciences in San Marcos starting this September for graduate school to earn my doctorate in physical therapy. This wouldn’t be possible without Fresno Pacific, the lessons I have learned here, the peers and faculty who have supported me and God guiding me down this path.
Malia originally shared the above at FPU Chapel on April 29, 2026.
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