Her Campus (HC): Hi Leah! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview you today. What are you currently studying, and what made you choose it?
Leah Fleurimond (LF): I’m currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida State University (FSU)! I struggled a lot with my own mental health in middle school and high school and didn’t get the help I needed until much later. I did, however, dive into journaling and my relationship with God and that helped me tremendously. I thought to myself, “People need to know that hope is possible!” Somehow, even though I hadn’t seen a therapist until I was out of undergrad, I knew it was important and I wanted to be able to provide that for others. I started looking into programs that combined the arts and therapy as a high school senior, but it wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I seriously considered grad school. And now here I am!
HC: When did you first start going to Downtown Community Church (DCC)?
LF: That’s a great question. Technically 2017, but not consistently until 2019!
HC: What made you want to get involved with Downtown Community Church?
LF: I think seeing the quality of community at DCC drew me in. I loved DCC’s outreach to the community, like the Hope program that offers mentorship for at-risk elementary and middle school students, and Project Tallahassee, where the church partners with different community organizations to shoulder some of their burdens and serve them however they need.
Also, my good friend Mallory and I at the time had recently started going regularly together and thought it would be fun to serve at the coffee bar!
HC: What positive impacts have DCC left you with?
LF: I think the biggest thing is introducing me to some of my favorite people in the world; people who love God with such sincerity because they truly know Him. I used to be intimidated by diving into a church community but now I see that fellowship, or knowing Christ with other believers, is integral to my faith — and my life!
HC: Has being a community group leader influenced or changed you in any way?
LF: Yes! I’m not really the leader type. I ramble, I’m usually reserved and I’m terrible at explaining things. But being a group leader helps me remember that 1) it’s not about me or my abilities because ultimately, God is in charge, and 2) it’s so important and so EPIC to have a space where we read the Bible and get to know each other!
HC: Do you see yourself serving in ministry or doing more than what you are now?
LF: I’m not sure that I will serve in ministry more than what I’m currently doing. Perhaps I will be put in a different setting and a different role. I would love to combine ministry and counseling someday!
I want to share just this: Nothing brings me more fulfillment or joy than knowing Jesus. He’s my friend and my savior. I grew up Christian but for a long time, I was still a shell of a person and resented who I thought God to be. I didn’t really believe for that reason for quite a while until Jesus pursued me and told me that he sees and loves me just as I am. Even if I am depressed or anxious or doubtful, He doesn’t leave my side. That simple Gospel changed my life. And it can change everyone.
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