Growing up in Aurora, Ill., Ruby Vega describes her hometown as a tight knit, predominantly Hispanic community. Surrounded by Latino culture and raised in a Mexican household, her roots have shaped not only her identity but also her motivation in life.
“I saw how hard my parents worked to give me a good life,” she said. “That’s what motivates me to study hard and find a job that can help them someday.”
Faith in her Journey
Ruby’s path to Olivet Nazarene University began at a high school college and career fair, where a representative from Olivet introduced her to the film studies program.
“I knew I wanted to study film,” she said. “So when I saw that Olivet offered it, I decided to learn more.”
At first, she wasn’t sure what to expect, but after touring the campus, she felt a connection.
“I liked that it was a Christian school,” she said. “I thought it might even help me grow in my faith, and it really has.”
Faith plays a big role in Vega’s life, but she’s honest about how her understanding of it has changed since coming to Olivet.
“Before college, I called myself Christian, but I didn’t really pray much or read the Bible,” she said. “Being here, I’ve learned more about who God is and how to have a real relationship with Him.” Chapel services, campus ministry groups, and the supportive community around her have all helped deepen her faith.
One of the ministry groups Vega recently joined is called MANA, which partners with the Salvation Army to serve meals to people in Kankakee who need food or assistance. For her, this isn’t just community service, it’s something that reflects her personal values.
“Helping people is kind of a passion for me,” she said. “I really believe that when you treat others kindly, it makes an impact, and that impact spreads.”
The “Mixing” of Hobbies
Outside of ministry and film, Vega has another unexpected hobby, baking. “I started during the pandemic,” she laughs. “I was bored and had too many bananas, so I made banana bread.” From there, baking became something she enjoyed experimenting with. Cookies are her go-to recipe, but she says she loves trying new things.
“It’s kind of like a film
—it’s creating,” she said. “I never thought about that before, but I guess both are about making something that brings joy to people.”
Balancing her studies, faith, and personal life hasn’t always been easy. Vega admits that at first, she struggled to manage her time and stress.
“I used to be bad at balancing everything,” she said. “But I learned that I need to prioritize my mental health.” She’s found that making to-do lists and scheduling time for herself has made a huge difference. “It helps me make sure I have time for homework and for hanging out with friends.”
When she’s not studying or baking, Vega loves watching movies, no surprise for a film student.
“That’s probably how I spend most of my free time,” she said. One of her favorite projects at Olivet so far has been a commercial video she made for a class. “It made me realize I’d love to make commercials someday, especially funny ones,” she said. “That project really showed me how much I enjoy that kind of creative work.”
The Final Layers
Vega’s dream after graduation is to work in the film industry, whether that means directing, editing, or producing. She knows it’s not an easy field to break into, but she’s determined to get there.
“Even if it’s just working with a marketing team or in media production, I’ll take it,” she said. “I just want to be part of creating something meaningful.”
When asked how her friends and family would describe her, Vega laughs.
“They’d probably say I’m quiet,” she said. “But once you get to know me, I can talk a lot that usually surprises people.” She adds that her mom often calls her patient and caring, traits she tries to live by every day.
Looking back on her time at Olivet, Vega says she’s grown a lot since freshman year. “I used to be shy and scared to try new things,” she said. “Now I’m more open and confident.” Her favorite college memories aren’t tied to big events, but to late night moments with friends watching movies, laughing, studying, or just talking about life.
“Anything late at night always ends up being funnier,” she said.
Through her faith, creativity, and compassion, Vega has found her rhythm, one that blends her love for storytelling, helping others, and discovering who she’s meant to be.
