As a college student in Manhattan, my life is constantly on the go. Sometimes I forget to sit down, be still and reflect over my purpose and why exactly I live in the greatest city in the world. Recently I was asked the question by a dear friend of mine, "Why do you think the Lord has placed you in New York?" As I sat there shuffling through answers in my mind of why, my answer gave me a clearer vision and reminder for how little I know what my future holds. I realized that The Lord is constantly trying to show me how much greater his plans are for my life versus mine. I never planned on moving to New York City for school. As a deep-southerner with a love for my grandparent’s Alma Mater, small towns and the SEC, Auburn University was my goal in life throughout high school. After being accepted senior year, I had my mind set and was on the track to fulfilling my deepest desire to attend there. This self-pursing goal, however, became my deepest struggle. My downfall came when I neglected to put Christ in the picture. After struggling with removing my identity from college and placing it in Christ, I ended up at an academic gap year program in Georgia called Impact 360.

This 9-month leadership and worldview program through Chick-fil-A showed me how a community of vulnerability must be fostered, how to integrate my faith daily in every decision I make and ultimately how to become a better leader through servanthood. Through Impact 360, I became reconnected with The King's College, a school I had known about for years but never once considered and low and behold, here I am.

You see, not being able to attend Auburn University is one of the hardest things I have had to overcome. But as I currently sit in Pine Mountain, Georgia, as a staff member at Impact 360 Institute, I am thankful that the Lord used my brokenness to reveal his faithfulness through my trials, my success and my struggles.

So why am I in New York City? Christ has shown me that though I pictured myself for years moving to a university of 25,000 people, sometimes moving to a small town of 800 will lead me to a city of 8 million. I was pushed into the uncomfortable. I know my ultimate purpose in life is to love God, love people and make disciples. I am in New York City because I want to tell my story. I want to receive a good education. Ultimately, I want to be used to the best of my abilities to serve the Kingdom.

Always stay open to options. Constantly seek to serve those around you. And consistently remain steadfast in the faith.