Elijah Strait’s Journey to Hope: From Cancer Survivor to Scholarship Winner
In the bustling town of Laurens, South Carolina, the air is filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation, especially for one remarkable high school senior named Elijah Strait. This year has been nothing short of miraculous for Elijah, who, just two years ago, received a life-altering diagnosis: a brain tumor. But as Elijah tells it, he is living proof that with faith and a little help from above, anything is possible.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In early 2023, Elijah began experiencing health issues that led to numerous medical tests and ultimately a diagnosis of a brain tumor. The news was devastating, but the twists and turns of his story took a surprising turn just days later. “The doctor didn’t believe it. They still did chemo and radiation,” Elijah explained. Despite months of treatment, the shock of finding that his tumor had vanished was a true miracle for the Strait family. “I finished that up in October, and now I’m in remission,” he smiled, a beacon of gratitude and resilience.
Setting Sights on the Future
Fast forward to this fall, and Elijah was busy focusing on his future. After beating cancer, he turned his attention to applying for a scholarship to John Brown University, a renowned Christian college known especially for its top-tier construction management program. With a dream to one day build homes and churches, Elijah found the school to be a match made in heaven.
“I don’t want to be cooped up in an office,” he confessed, showing his desire to use his skills for good, whether it be building shelters for those in need or engaging in mission work abroad. “I want to keep sharing the gospel and providing shelter to others.”
Scholarship Application Process
To apply, Elijah submitted a thoughtful essay and secured a spiritual recommendation. He was thrilled to be invited to attend a two-day event at John Brown University with 163 other scholarship hopefuls. This event included a formal banquet, campus tours, and, most notably, two interviews: one-on-one with faculty and a group interview with board members and students.
While many would feel nervous in such a high-pressure situation, Elijah’s faith in God kept him calm. “I had already talked to my dad about it. I knew the Lord had whatever He wanted planned anyway, and He’ll open doors wherever He wants me to go,” he shared. “So, I felt good about it. I was going to say whatever He wanted me to say.”
The Big Surprise
After the event, life returned to its usual rhythm for Elijah and his family, but not for long. His parents received the thrilling phone call first—a game-changing announcement that left them bubbling with excitement but also keeping the news under wraps. Elijah was one of only three students to be awarded a full Presidential scholarship to John Brown University!
They planned a surprise reveal during halftime at a local football game. “Cindy, a representative from John Brown came out, and I was completely surprised. It was really kind of crazy. I did a victory lap around the field,” Elijah beamed. It’s worth noting this celebration came just one day after Elijah underwent eye surgery—a lingering effect from his cancer treatment. Yet, despite the challenges, he remains focused on the bright future ahead.
An Exciting Future Beckons
As graduation approaches, Elijah is full of excitement and gratitude. “I’m more than excited. I can’t wait to see how God moves. It’s going to be awesome and He deserves all the glory,” he said with a heart full of hope. His story serves as a reminder that challenges can lead to beautiful new chapters and that dreams can truly come true with unwavering faith and determination.
