Richard Ajumobi (the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in Houston, TX)

Growing up, I was always known as the good kid. I never really did anything wrong, never made people mad. It wasn't because I was trying to get something back, I just felt that doing bad things wasn't worth it. Now don't get me wrong, I made my own choices and I don't judge anybody on their choices, only God can do that. As I became older and in college, God definitely wanted to test me. In March of 2012, I suffered a stroke at the age of 20. I had no idea what was happening or why. I couldn't move anything on the left side of my body for 3 weeks. I started to question God because things had been going so well before. I had just been accepted into Pharmacy School, I coached my intramural football team to 2nd place that Fall, and my parents got me a car. How could something this bad happen at this time? It through me for a huge loop. When I finally started feeling my left side, I began therapy and slowly began walking. Throughout that time, my parents were my rock. My mom was at the hospital every morning when I woke up and every night when I fell asleep. Even as I questioned God my mother and father still encouraged me and prayed for me. They helped me accept that everything happens for a reason and God had a plan. I don't know where I would be without them. My mother reminded me of one of my favorite verses. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. after another month I was finally able to go home and start going to a full therapy center. when they had finished their beginning assessments, they projected me to be going there for 10 to 12 months. I told them that was too long. They then told me that i shouldn't think about the length of time, more about the progress. I was not having that. I told them that they just needed to tell me what to do and I would be out of there in 6 months, I wasn't playing. Through the next couple of months I met some awesome people. I found out that I was good at encouraging people and helping them see the positive side of things. By helping them I helped myself get back on track in my faith and began letting God use me. I was discharged from the therapy center in 6 and a half months. Everyone was in disbelief but I told them that it was thanks to my Father above and the amazing support system I had. I am back in Pharmacy school now, and although I am not 100 percent in my body or mind, I am constantly reminded and humbled when I think about where I was. It's all thanks to the wonderful God we serve and the love and support He provides us with. They say God gives the hardest challenges to only those that can handle it. I think He also gives it to those who can accept that they aren't strong enough to do it on their own and humble enough to ask for help.

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