08
Oct '25
Student Spotlight: Daniela – A Pillar of Strength
08
Oct '25
Valerie Daniela is a seventh-grade girl who, despite her young age, has faced enormous challenges in her family life. Four years ago, her parents divorced. Because her mother was struggling financially at the time, custody was given to her father. The separation was difficult, and for a while, her father didn’t allow Valerie and her sisters to visit their mom because of the conflict between their parents.
In the middle of this broken situation, Daniela stepped into a role far beyond her years. She became the primary caregiver for her two younger sisters. When their parents separated, her middle sister was only six years old, and her youngest sister, Ana Lucía, was just two. Today, both are in school, but Daniela remains their greatest source of stability.
Every day she cooks meals in the mornings and afternoons, cleans the house, and makes sure her sisters complete their homework. She remembers how, when she was only a child herself, she had to change diapers, prepare bottles, and even bathe her little sister—tasks her father refused to do.
Reflecting on this, Daniela says, “A lot of times I feel desperate because I have to carry so many responsibilities at my age. But I’m sure that God is the one who will help me.”
Her faith in God has been her anchor. She constantly prays for her mother’s health, as she suffers from thyroid disease. She also asks God for economic stability in their home, believing that one day her mother will be able to take care of them again. Daniela intercedes for her sisters, praying that they will grow strong in the Lord. And she prays for herself, asking God to guard her heart and give her strength to keep her faith in the hardest moments.
Her relationship with her father has been difficult, as he has a harsh character. Yet Daniela recognizes that he is also fighting his own battles and is trying to learn more about God. Her mom, on the other hand, is a devoted Christian who constantly encourages her daughters to stay strong and to trust in the Lord’s promises, reminding them that victory belongs to God.
Despite the weight of her responsibilities, Daniela dreams big. She wants to study law one day so that she can defend women who suffer abuse, advocate for immigrants, and create shelters for people who have nowhere else to go. Her deepest desire is to serve those who are most in need.
Her favorite Bible passage is Psalm 22–23, a reminder that even in suffering, the Lord is present and faithful.
Today, Daniela is both the practical and emotional support of her family. She has carried the role of caregiver, sister, and encourager. But as much as she appears mature beyond her years, it is important to remember that she is still just a young girl. She needs encouragement, love, and prayer as she continues to grow in her faith.
At her young age, Daniela shines as a pillar of faith, hope, and love in her family.
