Fernando Cifuentes

“I always wanted to be a pilot since I was little. So, when I was in Guatemala, I decided that I wanted to join the military because that was probably the only option for me to become a pilot in my country. So, I went to military high school hoping that one day I would join the air force. But I grew up Seventh-day Adventist, and during the time that I spent in the military school I kind of like realize that there was a lot of things that I didn't agree with. So, after I graduated, I just decided to not continue in the military route.

I didn't go to school for like, two years after graduating high school. I was trying to decide what to do. During this time, I started helping at church and realized that I really enjoyed it. So, I thought about being a pastor. I kept asking God to somehow tell me that I had a calling because I didn't want to do it without that. But I never felt like it was my place.

Then I started studying computer science and then switched to mechanical engineering. But as I was doing my associates in mechanical engineering, I kept looking at the airplane area. I still wanted to work on airplanes. It was always like two things, you know, either working at church or going to work in planes. I think somebody told me about an aerospace program in Middle Tennessee State University. And that’s what I am doing now.

I feel like God has been with me through all of that. It's amazing how He has opened doors. I never thought in my life I will be living here in the States, going to school that I go to. Sometimes I'm working or I'll be walking on campus and I'm like, how did I end up here? What’s incredible is that with my job I can keep that balance between work and still helping at church, which I feel it’s a big part of my spiritual life.

I believe that God gives us more than one option in life. He gives us different interests and talents. And when you’re doing what God wants you to do, whatever that is, you find peace in your heart.”

- Fernando Cifuentes, from Murfreesboro Hispanic Church in Murfreesboro, TN.