By DeAndra Bowie
If you were to make a list of the easiest things to do in life, “be a college student” would likely not be on that list. It takes work, dedication, and intentionality not just to be a college student but to be successful in your college endeavors. Now, imagine being a college student who is a single mother with five children (four still in the home), working a full-time job, a part-time job, and being a small group leader as well as a worship leader in the local church. Seems like a lot? It is, but Sherita, a current Manna U student, is doing just that.
Sherita Brooks, who is originally from Virginia, found herself in Fayetteville in 2004 by way of being married to a soldier. She currently works in the Department of Social Services and has been there for 16 years. In those 16 years, she has been in three different positions to include Processing Assistant III, which is the position she currently holds. Recently, Sherita picked up a second job that she does in the evenings, but not even that could stop her from what God has planned for her future.
When we asked Sherita how she found out about Manna University, she said, “I have known about Manna University since it was Grace College of Divinity, however I never thought I could pursue my education until the school became Manna University.” She believed that you had to be pursuing a life as a pastor or be in full-time vocational ministry to attend Manna U or any Bible college. Sherita learned that this was a misconception after talking to friends and realizing that none of them were pastors, most weren’t working in full-time vocational ministry, and yet all were benefitting as Manna University students. Sherita was encouraged when she realized that she could become a student at Manna U. “I was encouraged to go to school because they saw a leader in me, and I felt called to do so.” As of 2023, Sherita is a student in pursuit of an Associate of Arts in Christian Leadership.
The amazing thing about being a Manna U Major is you do not have to wait until you receive your diploma for the information you have gained as a student to be helpful in your day-to-day life. We asked Sherita to share one thing she has learned so far that has stood out. Sherita said, “One thing that I have learned going to Manna U that has stuck with me is that these biblical studies have broadened my devotional life. It draws me closer to God and gives me an excitement and desire to want to learn more.” She went on to tell us that she is able to apply what she is learning at Manna U to her one-on-one time with God and that she sees scripture differently. “Before, it was just words on the pages of a book, now it is ‘a lifegiving journey.’” Sherita currently serves in a variety of areas in her local church, Manna Church Fayetteville/Fort Liberty. She serves as a worship leader, in Manna Kids, and even on the Welcome or Host teams. She has grown in her capacity to lead and serve on these teams through what she has learned in her courses as a Christian Leadership program student. Sherita explains that her heart desires to, “…effectively lead where the Lord places me.” Learning at Manna U about how to lead in the church has helped her to see what God is calling her to in the Kingdom, but it also left Sherita with the unshakable feeling that this knowledge could benefit others as well. We asked what she would tell people they should know that she has learned at Manna U, she said “Manna U will help you know who you are in Christ, and that you are an important piece of God’s grand design.”
