While most people at Westminster would say that we as Christians should work for the betterment of the world and the community we are in, it takes a person that has truly been transformed by the power of Christ to actually live it out. Destiny Coleman, a Westminster senior, is an example of what it looks like to actually live out the gospel message. Over the past few years, she has been participating on the Missouri Youth Advisory Board and during her time there has made a huge impact within the St. Louis community.  

An event Destiny orchestrated that you may have seen recently around Westminster was the book drive where books were collected from the Westminster community to donate to juvenile detention centers. This drive was organized both to collect books for juvenile detention centers and to promote a law that would help teenagers within detention centers get access to reading materials. 

Destiny reveals that the school book drive was part of a plan to get Missouri legislators to pass the law: 

“We were asked to help Senator Bryan Williams and Senator Roberts to pass a law to mandate libraries in the state of Missouri in juvenile detention centers. So, we helped with the book drive, but also we went to Jefferson City as well as the courts downtown to help lobby and speak on our calls and get the funding that we need to help.” 

Taking such actions to help give teenagers in juvenile detention centers access to libraries is a huge step on the path towards bettering the world for Christ. When asked why she decided to help get this law passed and join the Youth Advisory Board in the first place, Destiny replied that: 

“I just felt a very strong call and a very strong place to advocate the rights of others. One thing that I hate is to see minorities have their opinions not voiced and not heard and I also go to adult people who might not have the upper hand in society as well.”

In joining the Youth Advisory Board, Destiny hopes to be an advocate for groups whose voices go unheard within the St. Louis community. She seeks to use her passion for politics to provide a novel approach to the inclusion of minority groups within government decision-making and make sure that even the quietest voices within a community are still acknowledged and respected. 

In the end, Destiny also earnestly desires to serve as a role model and representative for underrepresented communities. When reflecting upon her motivations, she delivers an inspiring message that rings true for all those who feel their voice is not being heard: 

“It’s to inspire and impact people and let them know that even if you face challenges or you might not look like the person in the forefront of organizations, if you don’t see yourself being represented, step out do it. Be the example that you want to see.”