Sitting by the fountains on campus, I was thinking about the past year. All of the great friends I've made, the mistakes I've learned from, and how much I have changed.
I remembered my last few months of high school and how I thought I had my entire life figured out. I was going to go off to college, make great and everlasting friendships while still maintaining high school relationships, meet a great guy and be able to call him my boyfriend, make great grades in my classes, and have one of those envy-worthy Instagrams. What I didn't account for was what God had in mind for me.
I went off to college and I did make some really great friends. Some have drifted a little, others have become closer. I talk to maybe three of my high school friends on a daily basis, but the relationship isn't quite the same. I met a few guys....that have become some of my best friends. I made okay grades my first semester and I am on track to make pretty good grades, but by no means all A's my second semester. And I definitely don't have a #poppin instagram. But I do have faith in what God has in store for me because these past few weeks He's given me a glimpse of what I can do.
He gave me the chance to work for my dream employer, The NFL, and I was able to wholeheartedly know that I want and I can work in the sports industry. But He also showed me that I have a real passion for psychology and I have the opportunity to change the world in the psychology field. Because of this, I declared a double major in Sports Administration and Psychology.
He gave me the chance to give back to the Honors College at UH. I am one of the 2017 Honors Mentors, which means I get to help incoming freshman navigate the treacherous waters of college. Without my mentor this past year, I would have been lost in this new world. So I am thankful that I have this opportunity.
He showed me that I have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Wales. I would be able to have an unique experience that could completely change my life. I don't know when else I would have a chance like this, and I'm grateful to even be thinking about it.
Lastly, he showed me that even though I am flawed, I am still amazing in His eyes. He wants every one of his children to succeed and reach their full potential. As someone who has wavered in their faith, this Lenten season has been life-changing. I have realized the wonders that he works for us, and that they come in even the smallest of things, like the UH fountains working again.
When I was in seventh grade, my biology teacher pointed out a Bible verse that I will never forget: "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10). God will test each and every one of us to see if we are willing to fight for what we want, what we believe in, to fight for ourselves to reach our full potential.
So trust in God with all your heart, and let Him guide you down the path that you're supposed to take. He has a plan for you and while you may feel that he's not there, he knows exactly what he's doing. Keep your head held up high in tough times, know that you're going to get through it, and look forward to the life you have ahead of you. And most importantly, know that you are made in God's image and likeness; he will make sure you are taken care of. He will make your life everything you want and need. He is truly amazing and is an all powerful God.
