When soaking up the beauty of the outdoors by camping or visiting state parks with her family, Kelli Neal sees the beauty of the Lord that He has crafted.
But she also witnesses this beauty as she walks around Olivet Nazarene University’s campus, showing perspective students around or being able to hone her love of storytelling in her classes.
Neal is an Olivet sophomore from Fenton, Michigan studying Multimedia Communication with an emphasis in film.
Neal’s bubbly, extroverted personality helps her fit into many different niches on campus including Student Council, Admissions and the communication department which all help grow her unique college experience.
Finding Ministry
With a heart to serve, Neal is involved in a couple different activities where she can be around people, help them and touch their lives in small ways.
“She’s not afraid to stand up for people and I think that is one of my favorite qualities about her because she is such a committed person and doesn’t give up on people,” says Caitlyn Dooley, an Olivet sophomore and one of Neal’s close friends.
At school, Neal is a sophomore representative for Student Council and worker for Admissions on campus. These two avenues are places of ministry to her and she expresses how grateful for the opportunities she is and happy she chose Olivet for what it has brought to her life.
“It’s great to have an outlet where I can love on other people and it’s a job or actual position at the same time,” She adds.
Zeal for Film
Neal also has a heart for the art of storytelling. She found her love of stories early on within her life even before she got on the path to college. Her passion of this began with enjoying theatre, writing, reading, watching movies and T.V. shows but soon developed more throughout high school.
Growing up she was very plugged into her church’s youth group which is where she found an outlet for this love of film, media and storytelling. She got involved with the media team where they would take pictures and videos of the services and events. Her interest of media then began to blossom.
“The leader of the team taught me how to use a camera and we were just playing around and it was really fun,” Neal says. “It sparked this love for media.”
Neal took this love and ran with it, finding ways to teach herself more about photography, video and seeking out related classes in high school when there were some. Since attending Olivet, she has found a place to grow this love and passion.
“It was this beautiful, happy marriage of my love of storytelling and love for media; film was this perfect platform,” Neal says.
“Being able to combine this interest and talent I feel like I’ve been given, and use it to glorify God, is really special.”
Neal comes from a close-knit family which sparked her other love of traveling and being outdoors. Each summer they try to visit as many state parks as they can. She is the youngest of four and mentions that she is blessed to have the family she does.
“She’s a very passionate person and it’s inspiring to see her pour her heart into the things she loves,” Dooley adds.
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