Gomez Chooses BC to Grow His Faith

Bluefield College senior Gustavo Gomez says he came to BC in hopes of growing his faith in Jesus Christ. Not only has he done that, but he has also participated in sports and made lifelong relationships.

Gomez is a criminal justice major and a Christian studies minor who hopes to find a profession that will incorporate both his respect for justice and his love for Christ. 

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Gomez grew up not too far from Bluefield in Galax, VA. After graduating from Galax High School in 2015, he took a year off from his studies before deciding to attend Bluefield College. What drew him to the BC campus was the beauty of the area and the Christian atmosphere BC holds.

“I love the staff,” Gomez said about BC employees and the professors in his major. “They are very helpful.  If I need anything, I know I can go to them for help.”

Back in high school, Gomez participated in wrestling and football. When he came to Bluefield College, he chose another route: cross country.

“I ran cross country for three years,” he said, “and I was going to do track before it was cancelled.”

Gomez said he really liked his cross country coach, Kendall Haynes, who also ran for most of his life. And not only does Gomez do sports at the college, he has also served as a resident assistant (RA). Balancing his studies with all of his extracurricular activities, he said, has been challenging, “going from RA duties to sports to school” and “just trying to balance everything was hard.”

In addition to being active on campus, Gomez said he also enjoys “helping others, actually growing in my faith, and also seeing campus change.” He also hinted that meeting his girlfriend at BC was also one of his favorite things out of all of this.

After graduating from Bluefield College this May, Gomez said he hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement and to also pursue a path within Christian studies. One of Gomez’s favorite verses is Psalm 23, particularly the scripture that says “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

From that, Gomez said he has learned to be patient and understanding and that God is always with him.

“We all will go through valleys,” he said, “and we just have to be patient and understanding. We will come out on top.”