Maximus Lucero | Student Story
Saved at 16 years old, Maximus Lucero began to lean into academics and reading while his peers reveled in more typical adolescent activities. Finding solace and exhilaration in research and studying just for fun, he knew he was called to something different. 鈥淔or some reason, all I wanted to do was learn,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 was reading about early theologians and synthesizing their work for today鈥檚 world, then started reading about current ones. I became more immersed in this world, realizing it was my passion.鈥
Attending Sierra college as an English major and unsure about where he would transfer, Lucero鈥檚 former pastor and Jessup alumnus Jose Ochoa suggested he transfer to Jessup. He took his advice and in spring of 2023, Lucero became a biblical studies major. 鈥淪ince my first day on campus, I鈥檝e never regretted coming here,鈥 Lucero said. 鈥淚 have free range to express my views and I鈥檓 so happy I鈥檝e found my people! We have similar passions and there鈥檚 a lot of energy in the discussions we have as we bounce ideas off each other.鈥
His Jessup education is equipping him to learn new information, explore advanced ideas and gain fresh perspectives. But what stands out most is the community he鈥檚 part of. 鈥淎t Jessup, I鈥檓 getting rigorous academics coupled with the ability to see how people live biblical lives. There鈥檚 lots of learning that takes place, but what makes it unique are the people I鈥檓 learning with and from.鈥
As a commuter student, Lucero enjoys spending time with his professors. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 expect the faculty to be so welcoming,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 think of them as giants of intellectual theology. I鈥檓 over at their offices so much, I would鈥檝e expected them to turn me away. Instead, they make time for me and appreciate my input. I feel welcomed whether I鈥檓 there to borrow books, ask questions or just to check in.鈥
Lucero facilitates a Spiritual Formation Group (SFG) on campus called Fellowship in Theology and Church History. 鈥淲e focus on a specific figure of church history and reflect on their biggest contribution to Christian theology and discuss its benefits and potential deficiencies. I enjoy this time with other students because these discussions help to spur us on in our faith.鈥 One of his favorite classes was contemporary theology that helped him understand that church history hasn鈥檛 ended and is still making an impact today.
When he鈥檚 not studying and keeping up his 4.0 grade point average, Lucero works in the admissions office processing transcripts, helping out in the welcome center and answering phones. A tireless scholar in the grand library of life, Lucero graduates next year and plans to pursue his master鈥檚 degree and doctorate to later become a full-time professor teaching historical theology.
