I found this prompt in the Princeton Review's "Popular Application Essay Topics" essay. About a year ago, I began the process of filling out college applications and writing a lot of essays. So, I decided that today I would answer one of my favorite ones without all the frills of trying to impress an admission board.
Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
I first went to Canyon Camp seven summers ago. The red rock walls shut off the outside world, and for a week, it was me, Jesus, and friends. The feeling of familiarity permeated even the first few moments in the Canyon. It grew as I picked a bunk, met my small group, and went to worship. There was never a moment where my bundle-of-anxiety self worried. I was more than content; I was home.
Summer number two in the Canyon was even better. I found some lifelong friends when I was in a small group for the grade above my own. I got to know EterniDy. I met Lauren, Keagan and Bad Mama. I fell further in love with the way the Holy Spirit could fill this place for five whole days and still never get old.
Summer number three was the most life-changing week of my life, at least up until that point. It was the year of Miguel and Moonbeam's Minions. Small group M was instantly an extended family. Tuesday, Miguel shared his story. Wednesday, I found the courage to tell mine. I spent free time next to Emilie, cheering Dane and Mason on as they played volleyball. By Friday, Jensen, Megan, Heather, Kristen, Karlie, and so many more joined a close circle of friends. There was never a moment without the feeling that the Creator was there.
Summer number four brought me to High School CLEW. We bonded in a group of all girls, estrogen and laughter filled 100% of the time. I met Ellie Roth and was with Megan for the third time. I met the Dobrinskis and spent time with Morgan and Ellie in our cabin. Again, I felt the presence of God sweeping over that place, especially as we stargazed that Tuesday.
Summer number five was one of change. After moving churches, I went to three camps: Super Summer, Falls Creek, and CLEW. And I learned something important. The joy of being surrounded by fellow believers wasn't confined to a canyon in Western Oklahoma. It was possible everywhere. I met Kyla and Kaylee. I spent my first week at OBU. I went to Falls Creek with Kylie, Janae and Madeline and spent time with my best friends in the entire world. Caleb taught me how to two-step and swing. Then, I went back to the Canyon and to another all girls' group and to EterniDy and old friends. I reconnected with Kyndal, and we line danced until our feet hurt on Thursday night.
Summer six was transitional. I went back to Super Summer and Falls Creek. I continued a long standing tradition of crying every night. I laughed and met TJ and Tori and so many more beautiful people. I learned a lesson in giving grace freely. And yes, I felt Jesus in every moment.
Summer seven isn't over yet. It's my last year as a student camper. Super Summer was the beginning of so many amazing friendships rooted in and on our shared future campus. Falls Creek will be different, but it will still take my breath away. I cannot wait.
In my long winded explanation, I have come to a conclusion. The environment I am most content in is the one I was made for: praising Jesus with fellow believers and being 100% myself. I cannot begin to explain how much my life has changed in these moments and in these places, and I cannot wait to experience many more moments like it.
How would you answer?
