Every one of us only gets one life. We go on living each day with no promise in tomorrow. We are surrounded by billions of people all different and unique. But, it is the people that God places in your life at the right times that provide you with valuable lessons, amazing friends, and growth opportunities.
Throughout my college career, there have been different people placed in my life that have helped me grow, challenge me, and lift me up above the rest. College is a crazy time for a lot of people. There is so much transition, unknowing, fun, new people, and new adventures. I went into college ready for the ride. Going to a school where I did not know many people. I was ready to embrace new friendships and new adventures.
During my time there, I felt thrown into a new type of life I was not used to. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. After rushing a sorority and realizing greek life was not for me, I found happiness in friends that were there for me. I lived in a small coed, business dorm. We were a little community and I will never forget the late night talks, crazy dance parties, and love I experienced from the third-floor friends I had. Whenever I had anxious thoughts, was worrying about distant relationships, or needed life advice, those girls were there for me.
Looking back at my time at Alabama, although it was short, I am blessed for the friends that got me through days where I was sad or needed a buddy to go out on the town with. I was so concerned with other people and their actions freshman year, I needed to focus on myself and stay present with my friends. I know God placed those girls there for a reason because without them I would not have lasted the semester. I am thankful for their giving hearts and compassion they showed me as we journeyed through freshman year. Whether we were craving the local pizza place late at night or skipping class for Moes, the people that I met and developed bonds with will forever be engrained in my memory.
Going to another new school and moving forward, I was ready to make more friends and make new memories. Through another crazy rollercoaster of a year, I was again thankful for the people that put the effort in, cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. I had many teachers at Belmont that challenged me to be a better student and encouraged me to try my best. They wanted to see me succeed. They were funny and compassionate with a knack for really engaging the class. I had teachers that opened my eyes to certain social issues and inspired me to give back through service.
I will never forget the impact that some of the teachers had on me at Belmont even though my time there was short-lived. I did not have a big friend group there, but the friends I had met and developed relationships with, were ones of deep love. I never had such sincere laughs, philosophical talks, and real conversations with the people I met there. I could be myself and knew I could count on them to be there when others could not. The times when I struggled, I had my friends to pick me up. I look back and am so thankful for the lasting friendships I have made over the years.
Continually moving forward, God has thrown me ups and down I never expected to have. But the people that I have met through this next journey have pushed me to be better. I am not a perfect person but I do strive to be the best person I can be. For me and for others. I have met people in my organizations I am involved with that have challenged and matured me in ways where I feel I am ready to get out into the real world. If I did not have people criticizing me or pushing me to get better, I would not get better. I feel stronger, realized more and know you cannot cheat life.
All the people throughout the years that have pushed me to be better and realized my true potential as an individual have made a lasting impact on me. God places people in your life for certain reasons and I am a firm believer that God also takes people out of your life for reasons too. People come and go, but the people full of love and compassion for me have stuck around and I know I can always go to them. My friends will never know just how much I am thankful for them and for the joy they have brought into my life. This article is for you guys.
With all the humans in the world, I am thankful for the ones that have brought me closer to the person I hope to become.
Thank you guys, I love, y'all.