Donor Impact 2015
Justin Botejue
Justin Botejue
Graduation year: 2015
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Anaheim, Calif.
Two of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me were raising me up in the church and the idea that education is important and will get you far in life. About 25 years ago, my parents left civil-war-torn Sri Lanka to chase the American dream. They left their entire lives behind so that my younger sister and I could have a good life. And when my eyes see their sacrifices, I know it is my duty to honor them by studying hard. Growing up in West Anaheim, Calif., was tough economically, socially, and demographically. Through it all, however, I was able to stick with the ideals that education was important and that faith in God could get me out of any tough situation.
I knew that attending college was a must, and I was looking at California colleges – until my parents and I took into consideration the cost of attendance. For my parents, who have worked retail jobs for more than 20 years, college simply wasn’t affordable. But one of the greatest blessings in my life was discovering Whitworth. A church friend in California had mentioned that there was a Christian college in Washington state that might interest me. And after looking through the Whitworth website and visiting the campus, I fell in love with the campus, the academic programs, the community life, and every aspect of Whitworth University!
I’ve really been able to find myself at Whitworth. I attended public schools before I came to Whitworth, so the concept of faith and education interacting was new to me. My spiritual life has grown exponentially since coming to Spokane. I’ve also been able to figure out my aspirations for the rest of my life: to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity in public service. I’m a proud political science major on the pre-law track with minors in theology and philosophy. It’s a great combination, and I never would have dreamed of studying theology and philosophy when I was in high school!
I am continuously amazed at the opportunities that I’ve taken advantage of at Whitworth, and they could have happened only because of Whitworth. I’ve been able to live out dreams that I thought would be ideas, rather than lived experiences. I’ve toured Europe with the Core 250 program during Jan Term 2014, studying one of my greatest passions: philosophy. And through Whitworth’s sponsorship, I was able to spend the 2014 fall semester in Washington, D.C., to study public policy, to intern at the U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Legislative Affairs; and to explore further my call to public service and justice.
Because I know people are investing in my education and blessing me to attend Whitworth, I have a drive to serve and give back the best I can. I’ve served as an ASWU senator for Stewart Hall and the Village over the 2013-14 academic year, was a member of a bunch of different committees, sat on student panels for prospective students with the admissions office, served as potential students’ overnight host, and was involved in so much more. The gratitude I express to Whitworth and the people who have helped me attend could never be enough for what I have received. Whitworth is amazing, and I want everyone to know it!