Meet the PIU Students – Jenalin Smail and Sophina Fred

This week I would like to introduce you to two more new PIU students Jenalin Smail and Sophina Fred. Jenalin and Sophina are both from the island of Nema, Chuuk of the Federated States of Micronesia. Both grew up in Christian families, in the same church, and became Christians as young people. Jenalin’s father was a pastor who led her to Christ.  Jenalin has 5 brothers and 4 sisters while Sophina has 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Jenalin graduated from Chuuk High School in 2006 and Sophina graduated from Berea Christian High School in 2007. Both are transfer students from College of Micronesia’s Chuuk campus.

Neither Sophina nor Jenalin came up to Guam this past summer planning to attend PIU. Both had other schools in mind. Sophina decided to attend PIU because PIU had a dormitory. Jenalin heard about PIU from alumnus Mondale Tim, who is now a seminary student, and he persuaded her to enroll in PIU.  Jenalin remarked, “Maybe God had a plan for us to attend PIU.” Both young ladies are majoring in liberal studies and, though they are “not sure,” are hoping for careers in teaching or nursing. So far Jenalin says that her favorite things about PIU are “the computer lab and chapel,” while Sophina has most enjoyed “making new friends in the dorm.” Sophina was surprised that “girls are allowed to wear pants at PIU” and Jenalin was pleasantly surprised to find out how “nice the staff and faculty are” and how they spend time with the students.

Jenalin asks everyone to pray for growth in her spiritual life and academic abilities this semester. She also asks for prayer for her family because she misses them so much. Sophina asks that people pray that “God will change my life” and “help me to become a better person.” Thank you for your prayers for our students and for Pacific Islands University!