Emily Feuerborn, soon to be 21, believes everyone has a story to tell. As her life continues to unfold, she is intent on keeping her story interesting.
One of eight children, Feuerborn, originally from Olathe, Kan., made the decision to attend the University of Arkansas in the spring of her senior year. But that decision was made after praying a novena to St. Therese of Lisieux and receiving a heavenly sign of sorts.
“I was praying in Mass, asking the Lord to give me a sign of what school I should attend, and I looked up at communion to see a person in a University of Arkansas shirt walk by,” she recalled with a laugh.
Now a junior at the UA, Feuerborn is majoring in industrial engineering with a minor in psychology.
This past summer, she traveled to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip with a student group from St. Thomas Aquinas.
“It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had,” she said.
She is involved in campus ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish, both in peer ministry and in student leadership. When she saw a lack of women’s ministry, she took the lead. In her sophomore year, she started a Seton’s women’s group, for college women to get together, talk, fellowship and push one another toward sainthood and discipleship. She also kick-started a one-day women’s retreat called, “Divine,” that was held in Eureka Springs in April.
“God took this opportunity and blew us away,” said Feuerborn of the day’s events.
Now the retreat is on the books to be held again Nov. 16 with the hope of attracting more women.
Besides being a Eucharistic minister and usher at Masses held at the campus parish, Feuerborn stays involved with KNOCK, or Keeping Near to Christ ministry, Praise Unplugged and will be helping with the upcoming freshman retreat.
“I am passionate about people’s stories and their journeys, and I like to encourage others to tell their story and where they have been a survivor in their story,” Feuerborn said. “I like to tell how God has helped me come out of difficulties, and I think that helps others feel comfortable telling their story.”
