As a practicing Catholic, I go to Church every Sunday, say my prayers, and do what I can to learn more about my faith. As a child, I didn't mind going to church each Sunday because I knew that after church and religion, I got to go to grandma's house for homemade soup. Throughout my teenage years, I knew that God was important, but I often didn't listen to what He had to say, until I decided I had no choice.

Your senior year of high school is full of big decisions, like where you want to go to college and what you want to be for the rest of your life. At the beginning of my senior year, I had no idea what the answers were to those questions. I knew that I wanted a change, but that was about it. I have always had a travel bug and a love for bigger cities so throughout high school I had always thought that I was going to leave North Dakota and go to Arizona, New York, or Minnesota. I knew I was going to try something new and go outside of my comfort zone, but I didn't know where doing that would lead me.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was born with a vascular malformation leading to years of surgeries. And, as you know, nothing brings family closer together than going through struggles. Now, as you can imagine, my family is incredibly close. We have had to go through things that most families don't have to go through. As the first half of my senior year flew by, I began to realize how important my family, friends, and community have been to me throughout the past 18 years. As much as I didn't want to believe it, I knew something was telling me that I would be staying in North Dakota a little longer.

Growing up looking like I do was and is no easy task. I have always questioned God about why He chose me to be the one to deal with is, and when I felt like God wasn't listening to me, I turned to anger. For quite some time, I didn't talk to God, I didn't listen to what He had to say, and quite frankly I just didn't care. I went to church, but I was just going through the motions. I thought God was against me and didn't even care. But as I learned, and still am learning, I know that none of that is true.

In October of my senior year, I toured the University of North Dakota. I basically only went on this tour to get out of school and because all of my friends were going. Little did I know how things were going to turn out. I fell in love with the size, the things to do, and the campus was exactly what I was looking for. Right then and there something told me this was where I was going to be next year. When I went home I told my family how much I loved it and even though they were sad about it being almost four hours away from home, they told me they would support wherever I decided to go.

As spring came during my senior year, it was time to make final decisions. None of my classmates were going to UND and I didn't know anyone who was planning on going. Something kept telling me that UND was where I needed to go, but I didn't want to believe it because I would be all alone. My mom had told me to apply to BSC, and I always told her I would, but I never did, and that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If I would've applied, I know I just would've went there. But no, something was telling me not to apply to BSC and go to UND, and from the very first time I knew something was telling me this, I knew it was God.

I knew it was God talking to me and I couldn't believe it. At first I didn't know if I wanted to listen because of the past, but I knew I had to. At that point in my life, my relationship with God was better. I wasn't as angry and I tried to talk to Him more. I had finally heard God talk and I couldn't resist. I knew He had something for me and I know this is where he wants me to be. As college started in the fall, I knew nobody and questioned why God wanted me here. I quickly realized why. Since I have been here, I talk to God everyday, I joined a bible study, I go to talks to learn more about my faith, and I have let go of most of my anger. My time here so far at UND has been one of the best parts of my life. I have the best roommate, amazing new friends, interesting classes, and fun things to do. I know why God wants me to be here and I know I would've regretted it if I chose not to listen and do whatever I thought was what I needed.

Yes, I get this was just a story about my life, but this could be real for anyone. When you quit listening to God and think you know best, he will show you that He is in control and wants the best for you. Just because something doesn't go our way or we don't trust God, doesn't mean he is doing us wrong. He knows exactly what he is doing, and the moment you realize that, your life will take on a whole new meaning.