In this conversation with Simon, Jennifer shares that her deepest aim is to help others so they don’t feel the kind of pain and loneliness she grew up with. Hockey shaped much of her identity—great coaches modeled teamwork and character, but a sudden cut from her college team left her questioning who she was without the “starting goalie” title. Family and relationships often reinforced the idea that she was valued more for her performance than for her person.

Her relationship with her mom remains the hardest: controlling, self-focused, and unpredictable. Jennifer learned to walk on eggshells, set boundaries, and carry guilt she never should’ve held. Living in the same apartment complex has kept that tension close, so her mom’s upcoming move brings relief mixed with complicated emotion.

Spiritually, Jennifer always sensed something bigger but had early church experiences marked by judgment and hypocrisy. Things changed when she saw the authentic faith of friends in Virginia and began watching Waymaker Church online. Hearing that she didn’t need a “resume” to be loved by God resonated deeply. After a year of virtual participation and discipleship, she chose to be baptized. She still struggles to feel unconditional love and rarely asks for help, but she’s slowly becoming more fully herself—seeing even her wounds as part of what allows her to walk with and care for others.

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