Senior Christina Malek will run her final race this weekend at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational at the University of California.  The Rocklin native has been a part of the cross country and Track team for four years.  Malek reflects on her journey as a student-athlete at WJU:

Why did you choose William Jessup University?

I am local to Rocklin and had heard great things about the school, but originally did not consider going until I met Parker Daniells as a freshman at Whitney High School. He was coaching at the high school while he was attending William Jessup and we formed an awesome relationship that lasted all through high school. When I was a high school senior, he approached me about running for Jessup and at the same time I was beginning to explore psychology. All the stars seemed to align and point towards Jessup. With much prayer, the decision became clear to me that Jessup was where I was headed! 

What have you learned from running for Head Coach Parker Daniells?

That is a loaded question. What have I not learned from Parker?? Parker has not only been a mentor and coach for me, but a friend as well. He has supported me spiritually, emotionally, and challenged me as a person and athlete. He has taught me a lot about how to prioritize my life and be strong in times of much difficulty and pain. Parker has taught be a lot about myself over the last 8 years, and has been able to encourage me to pursue God and really rely on Him over anything and anyone else. Parker, above all else, has modeled to me how to live a Christ-centered life. I am extremely thankful to have someone like Parker be such an influential person in my life. 

What was your favorite memory from your Track and Field career at WJU?

If you knew the characters we have on our team, you would know how difficult this question is for me. We have had so many hilarious, great times. I think if I was forced to choose one memory that really sticks out to me, it would have to be all the fun times we have spent traveling to races. We always manage to make any situation fun, whether it is singing along to silly songs, or playing "would you rather..." until we can't stop laughing. 

What are three traits that helped you get where you are today?

Perseverance, Faith and strength. These are just 3 of the traits that have helped me survive the last four years. At some points I didn't think I was going to get though it but I persevered through trials, had faith that God would get me through it and found the strength to keep going. 

If you had one piece of advice for future Warrior student-athletes, what would it be?

If I had one piece of advice for future Warrior runners and athletes, it would be to remain focused on Christ as you run, play, jump, lift, throw, etc. When taking on the difficult task of balancing your life as a student athlete, it is really easy to get caught up with everything and forget about the reason you are here. Taking care of yourself spiritually might seem like it is going to be easy at a Christian school, but when you have a job, a sport, 18 units, an internship, and are probably trying to have somewhat of a social life, you can quickly forget to spend a lot of time with God. Making Christ the center of everything you do, is what gives you the ability to get everything done! He is the reason why you are here at William Jessup! Take care of yourself, BODY, MIND, SOUL and don't neglect any of them. 

What's been your greatest experience as a student-athlete at WJU?

My greatest experience being a student-athlete at WJU is spending time with my team and forming some amazing friendships. Going through this experience with people bonds you, and learning about my teammates and their lives has been a blessing. Dealing with stress, celebrating success, supporting each other through struggles, and just laughing until our stomachs hurt has been such a beautiful time. I have been able to learn so much from all the people I have encountered as a student athlete. 

What will you miss most leaving WJU?

I am really going to miss my professors in the psychology department at WJU. They have been absolutely awesome and have encouraged me so much the last 4 years. They allowed me to learn, struggle and succeed. I wouldn't have made it as far as I have without each one of them. Becoming self-aware is all about being challenged, and they were able to do so in a loving and supportive way. I appreciate them so much and I am going to miss them dearly. 

How have you integrated your faith into running?

This is a question I have been asked a lot over the last couple years. To be honest, I was forced to integrate my faith into my running my freshman year here at WJU. I faced a knee injury my freshman year and had surgery after my first race which put me out for the year. This was an extremely eye opening  experience because I was no longer able to do what I loved, or what I thought I had come to WJU to do. I was forced to turn to God, ask Him questions, and look to Him for comfort as I was angry and confused. As I recovered from my surgery I realized that before I was running for myself, and that now I needed to run for His glory. He sacrificed everything for me, and I needed to give Him the glory for allowing me to run. Now I run knowing that it is all for His glory and am thankful for the ability he has blessed me with. 

What are your goals after WJU? 

Every senior hates this question...

I have been accepted into graduate school, but am still exploring all my options right now. My main goal is to find my purpose in a career that I can be happy as well as glorify God with. I would also love to put more time into my family, friends and service at my church. I am grateful to my experience at WJU and I am now ready to see what God has in store for me next.