Jena McJunkin looks like a normal college junior in her Infant and Child Development class. She came to Oklahoma State University from Plano, Texas, to pursue a degree in fashion design. However, Jena soon realized fashion was more of a hobby than her true passion. Because Jena has a heart for people, she was drawn instead to a degree in Human Development and Family Science. As a Child Life Specialist, Jena plans to serve families with children admitted to hospitals for surgeries or critical care.
Jena is uniquely qualified to help children whose lives are not “normal” according to the world’s standards. She has grown up a small person in a big world that wasn’t designed for her. Jena was born with Achondroplasia Dwarfism into a family of “normal sized” parents and siblings.
Jena enjoys shopping since fashion is her hobby. In particular, she loves accessories for a variety of reasons. Jena says accessories can diversify the uses of a given outfit. They can dress it up or dress it down, all the while emphasizing her own personal style. When it comes to shopping for clothes, however, being small makes finding the right size and fit a challenge.
Because her torso is average and her limbs are disproportionately small, shirts and tops fit Jena relatively well. Jeans and pants are another matter, but Jena makes it work. She typically purchases skinny jeans, then cuts and alters them herself to fit her shorter legs. Shoes, on the other hand, are by far the hardest to find and fit. Jena’s calves are not long and her feet are small and a little wide. However, Jena takes all of this in stride. “With this physical uniqueness, much of my story revolves around me experiencing and learning who God is by the way he created me and for what purpose and being able to be a part of God’s goodness in revealing his story through me to other people.”
Because her faith is so important to her, Jena joined a Bible Study. This allows her to study scripture with college peers, in addition to studying scripture by herself. Jena is convinced that Christianity is not a solitary experience. Instead, the Christian faith is intended to be experienced among a body of believers who challenge and encourage one another.
Jena’s faith is at the core of who she is. When she reads the Bible, Jena finds guidance on how to live a life that reflects Christ to others.
Serving others is one way Jena lives out her faith. For example, Jena became friends with Izzy through Overflow and Life Church. Izzy is wheelchair-bound. When Jena learned that Izzy was moving to a new apartment, she offered to help him move in.
After mentioning Izzy’s upcoming move while at her Bible Study, several of the members also volunteered to help.
While waiting for another load to arrive during Izzy’s move, Jena jokes with friends during a short break. Jena has made close friend through her Bible Study and volunteer activities. “Since we are serving and working hard to minister to kids and families with the same mission and mind set, the ability to become friends with those working alongside you is easy and the need for friendship is necessary.”
Through her work with K-Life, Jena disciples a group of 7th grade girls. She is able to relate to them as a friend. Jena provides wisdom and support at a crucial time when a teenage girl’s body is changing and her self image and esteem are vulnerable. “I have experienced these struggles first hand, and my life stands in the world’s eyes to be the reason I shouldn’t have confidence; with a physical disability, the world screams at you reasons why your identity should lie in material things, relationships or the importance of transforming your body into the image the world defines beauty as. In the relationships I have with these girls, they get to physically see an example of what seems to be an imperfect body formed by a perfect Creator.”
Jena spends mother –daughter time at Stillwater’s Aspen Coffeehouse. “My mom has played a huge role in my life when it comes to encouraging me and speaking truth in my life when it relates to my identity, my worth and beauty that is found in the Lord.”
Looking back on her life, Jena is confident in God’s purpose and plan for her life. She is excited for the future, rather than anxious. Her experiences at OSU are part of that purpose and plan. “As I seek to be faithful and obedient in wherever (God) is calling me he continues to show me the people and relationships he desires for me to pursue."
Whether Jena is serving children as a Child Life Specialist in the future or mentoring teenage girls right now, her goal is to share her testimony. “I would like to write a book someday about the life I have been privileged to live for the sake of furthering God’s kingdom.”
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