My first two summers of college life were pretty much the same. I was home, but not without some sort of job, even if is wasn't heavy. Almost every night I was off at somebody’s house, even weeks at a time. After the second summer, a series of events unfolded, untimely and completely unnecessary, which changed my world. But thankfully all the time lost was spent differently. I wasn’t doing summer school, but I was working two jobs. Now that was quite an experience, making friends in all areas. Before last summer I went through a real rough time and missed out so much, but what I gained is not in vain. What I did this summer was definitely one for the books.
Since I have been here in school for a greater portion, I was in a bind where I needed to take college Algebra this summer and pass it so I can continue on with my college career and get out of here quicker. I also worked all summer long, working every weekend. Man, was I tired. I made school my first priority and I knew I couldn’t afford to not do my homework, quizzes or skip class. I will tell you right now, this was probably the hardest summer yet, but it is not without its rewards. There were plenty of times where I would get mad at my school work because I would get stuck and wouldn’t know how to continue. Through all the turmoil, I came out on top and passed math. I can’t tell you how much I was filled with joy, accomplishment and relieved.
One important thing is I didn’t give up no matter what, but the most important thing was I surrounded myself with some of the best people in the world.
It’s kind of crazy when you spend time with friends that you didn’t really hang out with before and you seem to know them like you never missed a beat. Then you meet and make new friends and you build relationships with them. Then they too become your family. You crave to spend time with them. It was absolutely awesome to have a group who focuses on encouraging each other and pushing other to do the very best. When I didn’t have to do homework and work and I got to spend even the smallest amount of time with them, it seemed like the world outside was minuscule compared to the time spent with these good people. It’s such an awesome feeling when you know whatever you’re dealing with, there’s someone or a few people that will sit down with you and talk about it with.
Needless to say, I am so grateful for the people around me and can’t wait to see what the year had in store for me. I never truly got it until this summer, but it’s so beneficial to surround yourself with people who, for one, love God and then love people. Find that group that encourages you to do your very best, and wait and see what becomes of it.
