Faith in Action: Briar Purcell’s Journey at Florida College Toward a Life of Service
October 16, 2024 | 2 min read
Senior Briar Purcell came to Florida College with one clear intention: to grow closer to Christ while pursuing her academic studies.
From the beginning of her freshman year, Purcell was drawn to the business program and quickly fell in love with the classes and faculty
“The business program and faculty have never failed to prepare me for the next steps of my life, all while cheering me on in every new success,” she said.
Purcell has found that Florida College does more than just teach academics; it helps her grow spiritually as well. Every class she has taken encourages her to follow Christ, and the professors make it their goal to support her in both her academic and spiritual journey.
“In my business classes, Professor Quinn would start every lecture by having us reflect together on a bible verse that was applicable to the lesson he was about to give. I found this to be very impactful because we were able to start every class with a focus on God’s word and could see how it directly ties into every part of life,” said Purcell.
During her time at Florida College, she has been involved in many campus activities including societies, Woven, Alpha Club, Yearbook, FCBA, AMA, and FCServes. Among these, FCServes, an outreach initiative that provides opportunities for students to support non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay area, has been her favorite.
“I loved having the chance to go out into the community and serve. From these opportunities, I quickly realized I had found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Purcell.
Working with FCServes has been a fulfilling experience, giving her valuable skills and confirming her passion for service. Currently, she is interning with Sacred Selections, a nonprofit organization that helps Christian couples who want to adopt children.
“It is a blessing to work for an organization whose mission I fully agree with,” said Purcell.
This internship aligns perfectly with her values and career goals, allowing her to gain practical experience while supporting a cause she believes in. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue working in nonprofit organizations after she graduates. She feels that her coursework and experiences at Florida College have prepared her well for this path.
“I hope to use the gifts the Lord has given me to go out and work to serve His people,” she shares.