Called to be ‘God’s hands in the world’

Christmas Joy Offering fosters Colombian student’s dream of becoming a doctor

by Emily Enders Odom | Presbyterian News Service

Isabella Pérez Sanchez is a student at the Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, Texas. She aspires to become a doctor. (Contributed photo)

LOUISVILLE — Isabella Pérez Sanchez has always believed in miracles.

How could she not?

Because the 18-year-old high school senior — who was raised primarily by her mother and stepfather in a Christian household in Bogotá, Colombia — had always found that everything came so easily to her, she knew it must be a “God thing.”

Yet the one thing that, at first, didn’t seem so easy — at least not for her mother —was the science prodigy’s lifelong dream of attending high school and college in the United States.

“Since I had traveled to the U.S. at least four times on vacation with my mom,” she said, “I knew it would be the best choice for my career path, but it would make me the first member of my family to move to another country alone and underaged.”

But when the Presbyterian-related Colegio Americano de Bogotá, where Pérez was a student at the time, told her about their partnership with the Presbyterian Pan American School (PPAS) in Kingsville, Texas, the way seemed clear.

“Everything lined up really easily,” said Pérez. “And even though it was hard for me and my mom to let each other go, we both kept saying that this is God telling us, ‘This is my plan for you. It’s impossible that this isn’t the path you should take.’”

PPAS, which Pérez entered in the 10th grade, is an international, college-preparatory boarding school related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Established in 1911, the school motivates and equips young people for lives of Christian leadership in the global community.

Pérez’s life-changing experience at PPAS — which is preparing her to change the lives of others — is being made possible, in part, by gifts to the PC(USA)’s Christmas Joy Offering.

A cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s, the annual offering distributes gifts equally to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color and the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions.

The Presbyterian Pan American School attracts students from around the world. (Contributed photo)

“At Presbyterian Pan American School, Isabella Perez stands out as an extraordinary embodiment of our institution’s vision and mission,” said Dr. Juan Plascencia, principal of PPAS. “With a fervent commitment to learning, leading and serving within our Christian community, Isabella’s journey radiates a passion that ignites curiosity and fosters growth in herself and those around her. Her dedication to academic excellence, coupled with a profound sense of compassion and service, reflects the values deeply embedded in our school’s mission.”

Once Pérez arrived on campus, the miracles in her life continued, especially the new worlds that opened to her by making new friends from diverse cultures.

“Because I wasn’t used to working with people from other countries who didn’t speak my language, getting to know the Korean, Chinese and Mexican students was an interesting process,” she said.

But the biggest miracle by far occurred in 2019, when the aspiring doctor — who had felt called into the medical field since the age of 10 — encountered the greatest challenge of her young life.

“I remember exactly the moment,” Pérez said. “It was a Sunday morning in Colombia. I was coming out of church when I had the strongest pain I have ever felt in my whole life. They took me to the hospital immediately.”

Diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation, she underwent brain surgery and spent nearly two months in the intensive care unit.

“That was when I realized I had a personal relationship with God,” said Pérez. “That was when I received my calling for life, which is to help others and to be God’s hands in the world.”

And she also realized that her calling couldn’t wait.

“I was inspired to make a change and not wait until I graduated from high school or college to help others,” she recalled. “That is when I founded ‘Helping Hearts,’ a community-driven initiative focused on helping the people who need it the most while sharing faith and hope. I was surprised by how much support my new club received, as people were eager to help. This, and the support from many at my school, gave me the assurance I needed to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.”

Pérez said that of all the “Helping Hearts” activities, spending time with the residents of a nursing home in Kingsville has really “touched her heart.”

Perez counts spending time with residents of a Kingsville nursing home among her favorite volunteer activities. (Contributed photo)

“Through her actions, Isabella not only inspires her peers but also serves as a living testament to the transformative power of a PPAS education, equipping herself and others for success in all facets of life,” said Plascencia. “Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom as she actively seeks opportunities to serve others and make a positive impact in the world. Whether through academic achievements, extracurricular endeavors, or acts of kindness, Isabella demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of faith, scholarship and service in shaping a brighter future.”

Today, more than five years after her huge medical scare, Pérez is completely healed.

“After my brain surgery, God gave me a second life opportunity and said I should use my hands to help other people,” she said. “It’s not an easy task to keep educating students like me and fostering our dreams. I am completely thankful to everyone who has donated to the Christmas Joy Offering to keep our school running. I hope more people have the opportunity to grow as I have grown, not only in knowledge but also in faith.”