Pressure Makes Diamonds

Naomy Snider recognizes that her life has not always been easy, but she has always found herself equipped with the skills and people to help her through these times.  

“I lived in the Dominican Republic until I was two years old. It was difficult there.” Naomy’s parents met when she was two and the family moved to McCool Junction, Nebraska, where Naomy spent her childhood.  

It was in this environment that Naomy became the driven, hardworking student she is. “My father has always instilled in me a strong work ethic, and he really encouraged me to pursue a higher education. My mom always showed me what it means to be a strong, confident woman who sticks to her beliefs.”  

As a member of Concordia’s community, Naomy has felt her drive to succeed strengthened. “I’m currently on the cheer team and when I first visited campus, one of the members of the team gave me a tour. Since then, cheerleading has been a really uplifting environment where I’ve felt consistently encouraged and pushed to be a leader.” 

Naomy, a junior, is finding her place to be a leader through the business communication program. “Concordia’s business communication program is very broad. I have full confidence that wherever I go, I will have the skills and abilities I need to succeed. "Although she doesn’t know yet exactly what she’ll do with her degree, Naomy understands her calling. “I knew what it was like to grow up and feel like I didn’t have a voice. Business communication equips me with the skills and experience to provide voices for the voiceless.” 

This type of occupation could be seen as a bit stressful for people, but for Naomy, it is empowering. “My faith didn’t really become personal to me until my time at Concordia. It’s truly life changing to see so many people use their drive and talents to become Christian leaders in their communities, and I’m excited to eventually be able to do the same thing.”