As a freshman, it can be difficult to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to others. But for Stefanie Owens, reaching out to others is the one thing that brings her joy.

As a server at The Father’s House, a Christian church in Vacaville, Stefanie greets people at the door and offers them a warm welcome before they attend the service. This involves standing at the front of the church waving a sign around, and even making conversation with new faces. All in all, Stefanie’s role as a server is to spread positivity and love to all who enter. She wisely noted that “by spreading a smile, it can brighten someone’s day so much.”

Stefanie first became involved with serving when she was 13 years old. Her parents had introduced her to the job of greeting at the door. She was nervous at the beginning, but almost immediately, she became comfortable as a greeter and began to genuinely enjoy her role. Stefanie recalled her first experience as a greeter as truly joyful.

“I was standing outside by myself greeting people when this lady came up to me. She told me that my smile brightened her day and made her feel so good…I will never forget this moment because it constantly reminds me that i can make a difference in the smallest ways.”

Stefanie loves the environment at The Father’s House, and has a passion for her role there. The uplifting and positive community is what she loves about serving. Stefanie explained, “I like serving here because it is a great way to spread love and kindness in the most simple way.” As Stefanie finds passion in serving, she continues to shine with Armijo Excellence.