At Southern Nazarene University, stories of perseverance and resilience among students and faculty are not uncommon. Anyone who knows Liberty Attaway knows that her journey stands out as a testament that God is not done yet. Despite facing many challenges, Attaway was able to get back up more determined every time. This article dives into her inspiring story, sharing how she navigated through some of the most difficult times of her life at SNU, ultimately finding healing and incredible relationships that have brought her closer to Christ.
Attaway is a second-year, vocal music education major from Choctaw, Oklahoma. She describes her childhood to have been good, with the exception of watching her older sibling struggle with addiction. Attaway originally planned to attend Oklahoma Baptist University, but when doors closed in the summer of 2023, she feared she might not go to college at all. With help from her high school music teacher, she connected with music professors, including SNU’s Director of Choral Activities, Jim Graves. After visiting campus and auditioning, she knew SNU was where she belonged.
Once the fall semester began, Attaway quickly became accustomed to her college life. She was making friends and thriving in her music education classes. One day in early September, Attaway returned to Choctaw for a doctor’s appointment and decided to turn the trip into a full day–catching up with her longtime best friend, Gracie Tolbert, and making a quick visit to see her family. Upon arriving home, Attaway discovered that her mother had taken her life away. This heartbreaking loss was just the beginning of the challenges that have shaped her journey.
Almost nine months to the date when her mother passed away, Attaway witnessed her house burn down right before her eyes on June 12th, 2024. A few months later, tragedy struck again, and she discovered that there were financial barriers that would prevent her from returning to SNU. Fortunately, through faith in Christ and the help of faith-driven mentors, Attaway has been able to overcome each of these obstacles. Looking back at her time in college thus far, Attaway believes that SNU’s doors were opened for her for a much bigger reason than she had ever realized.
Attaway credits Graves and her SNU friends for helping her through these challenges, believing that God placed the right people in her life. Graves opened his office and home to her, always offering support. He even spoke at her mother’s funeral saying, “I can’t, but He can. So I think I’ll let Him.” That phrase was what carried her through these trials. SNU alumni, Isaiah Zeman, also played a crucial role, offering his home for three months when the dorms felt too empty. Having faced a similar situation, Zeman was her shoulder to cry on and her biggest supporter.
Despite the challenges, Attaway remained at SNU and has made the Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters. Additionally, she shares, “While I was away, the SNU Chorale and Concert Choir students gifted me a Bible filled with notes, highlights, and messages of support. Dr. Graves gave it to me, joking that it wouldn’t make me cry–but it did. It was such a sweet gesture, and I still go back to read their words and the verses they highlighted for me.” Attaway also expresses gratitude to friends Sahmayiah Harris, Mikey Butenhof, Brisa Lopez, Elizabeth Howard, and Italey Brantley for their positive impact on her life.
Facing more challenges than any student should have to face, Attaway’s journey continues to mold her into a better person and strengthen her faith. After earning her music education degree, she plans to become a choir director at the high school or college level. Whether it is in the classroom or through reading this article, Attaway hopes that her experiences serve as a reminder of this: God is not done yet. When you go through challenges, you will fall, but He will pick you up, dust you off, and hold your hand as you keep moving forward.
Photo by: Brisa Lopez