The Running Preacher

QU | Student Spotlight

WRIGHT’S FAITH AND LOVE OF RUNNING HAVE OVERLAPPED ALMOST HIS ENTIRE LIFE.

THE RUNNING PREACHER

OUEKIE WRIGHT

by Jen Wingerter ’13

Wright’s impact comes from his determination and resilience from childhood to graduation and beyond.

“I STARTED RUNNING AT THE AGE OF 8. AFTER I RAN IN THE CARIBBEAN UNION OF TEACHERS (CUT) STUDENT ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS TO REPRESENT MY COUNTRY, MY LOVE FOR RUNNING GREW.”

— OUEKIE WRIGHT ’22

Open to over 20 various island nations, the CUT Games, which have been around since the mid-1980s, is an opportunity for students from ages 5 to 14 to compete.

He was baptized at the age of ten, and his bishop ordained him to preach in his home church by the age of sixteen.

“Bishop Wedderburn encouraged me. He told me that if God didn’t see me fit for it, He wouldn’t give it to me.”

Wright's faith helped him through some difficult times and steered him to the decision to pursue a college education. Growing up in poverty, getting to college was hard to imagine, especially when attending grade school and high school was difficult.

“I missed a lot of school growing up because my family was not able to support me financially,” said Wright. “There were times I would have to wear the same uniform several days in a row because they were expensive, and we could only afford one.”

He knew getting into college would be difficult. Because of his sporadic education, his grades suffered. Paying for college would also be a challenge. Despite the hurdles, Wright took the initiative and began to apply to colleges, asking for help and working to raise money to cover tuition.

After learning more about the faith background of QU, Wright, who was attending another college at the time, reached out to the coach of the Track and Field program at QU. He was offered a spot on the team and transferred to QU.

His love for competing in track and field and his faith led him to QU. His hard work and determination made getting there possible.

Wright transferred his strong work ethic to his coursework and training once he made it to college. He made a schedule, allowing time for class, studying, and training. He adapted to the culture, learning to accept the differences and to communicate. He worked during the summers to pay his tuition.

Wright credits the difficulties he faced as opportunities that helped build him into the person he is today. He is grateful to his grandmother, who pushed him out of his comfort zone, and his mother for showing him how to be a better person.

“A COLLEGE EDUCATION MEANS THE WORLD TO ME. I AM ONE OF NINE CHILDREN, AND I AM THE FIRST IN MY FAMILY TO HOLD A DEGREE. THIS DEGREE WILL OPEN DOORS FOR ME TO HELP MY FAMILY AND OTHER PEOPLE. THE SKILLS I LEARNED HERE AT QUINCY UNIVERSITY, I WILL TRANSFER TO OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T HAD THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES THAT I HAVE.”

— OUEKIE WRIGHT ’22

“I STARTED TO SELL GOODS LIKE BISCUITS AND SWEET TEA. I REMEMBER ONCE, IT WAS TIME TO PAY TUITION, SO I STAYED OUT LATER THAN I SHOULD HAVE. THERE WERE NO TAXIS ON THE ROAD, AND I MISSED THE BUS, SO I SPENT THE NIGHT AT THE BUS STOP WITH A HOMELESS MAN FOR COMPANY.”

— OUEKIE WRIGHT ’22

Wright continues to preach and reach the hearts of those in his community through the Prophetic Deliverance Fire Ministry, an online service he started after arriving in the United States. He hopes to one day open a gym that helps people achieve their physical goals and ministers to them spiritually. He desires to continue to do the two things he loves most - preach and run.