Freshman Ammon Henderson is not new to the concept of leaving home. The pre-med biology major returned from a two-year-long trip from Santiago, Chile, a few weeks before moving onto campus. 

“I went to Chile as a missionary for my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Henderson said. “We taught others about Christ and his example, we served others by lending them a hand whenever they needed it.”

Henderson stayed within the boundaries of the city but continued to serve the communities within it. 

“I always have thought that [teaching] by example is better than by word,” Henderson said. “Come to love others by helping them and serving them. If you have a hard time loving or connecting with someone, serve them. That’s how you get to know them and see things through their eyes.”

Henderson said there was a lot of thoughtful consideration behind planning the trip.

“My whole life I had talked about serving a mission but it was definitely hard to make that decision,” Henderson said. “About six months before I went, my sister Hannah also decided to serve and I’ve always looked up to her. I knew it was the right decision for me and I guess I just found my purpose in between then and now.”

During the span of two years, Henderson said he has had some significant personal changes.

“By serving as a missionary, my priorities as a person changed, and I was able to get closer to the Lord,” Henderson said. 

Seeing changes in other people besides himself as they applied what Jesus taught was one of the many things Henderson said he would never forget. 

“The best thing was the relations I made with the people around me,” Henderson said. “Literally everywhere we go, there’s someone who needs us.”

One of the most impactful lessons Henderson said he has been teaching to others and learning for himself is the existence of God. 

“There is a God who is our father, and he sent his son here so that we can be forgiven and become stronger through our experiences,” Henderson said. “I believe that my faith in God and his divine plan helps me to never stress about small stuff and helps me always remember who I am and why I am here.”

After his return to the United States, Henderson has focused his time on his studies and has enjoyed being closer to home.

“I was entirely decided on attending Brigham Young University and was so excited to be around many people of my same faith but later decided to attend UCA, to be closer to my family and friends,” Henderson said. “I’m so happy to come here and excited to study.”

Although he is not pursuing a mission trip, Henderson said he would love the idea of a group where he can participate and grow as a person alongside others who are striving for similar goals. 

“Whatever group or organization that allows me to serve and help, or mentor others definitely interests me,” Henderson said.

Henderson said he is looking forward to his time at UCA and will always strive to improve his journey towards his faith. 

“Never lose faith in God and his plan for you,” Henderson said. “Even when everything seemed to go against me or when I had no power, he always made it work for me and I know that it will be super important in my studies and career. Work hard and have faith in whatever it is that you believe and don’t worry.”