I sit in this empty apartment, 1 1/2 days away from graduation, and I cannot help but reflect on God’s faithfulness and goodness during my college years:
Freshman Year:
I was at Biola University, a private Christian college in Southern California. I had the time of my life meeting new friends, living away from home, going to Disneyland just because I could, and meeting my favorite singers and actors. I studied film and realized how much I love it. Biola was a blast and continues to hold some of my favorite memories. It was at the University when I decided to move back to Texas to work for my church. I was terrified and angry at God for closing a beautiful door in the form of Biola. I struggled with surrender, but ultimately, God won. Thankfully, God won.
Sophomore Year:
I was a new student at New Mexico State University. After living in California for a year, I immediately compared everything to California. I looked down upon the film program and upon the school in general. Nothing seemed okay.
But God did something marvelous. He opened new doors. I was offered a job by my church as the media director.
It was during my sophomore year when I met my best friends. They loved Jesus and we instantly clicked. I also became involved in a campus ministry called Cru, or Campus Crusade for Christ. I met my closest friends in college at Cru. They were welcoming and made my time enjoyable.
Also, after being at a Christian University, I was overwhelmed with the party scene. At Biola, I thought it strange when someone would smoke. At NMSU, everyone drank in the dorms and chain smoked during film sets. It was a wake-up call to the real world, and surprisingly, I loved it. I mean, I didn’t love it in that I was getting drunk and high all the time (or at all); I loved being able to evangelize to students who didn’t know Jesus. God started changing my heart. Big time.
Junior Year:
I became more involved with Cru as I joined the worship band, helped lead a bible study, and discipled a girl. I’m not going to lie . . . junior year was tough, real tough. Most of my friends seemed depressed which only made me depressed. I spent a lot of time realizing how I was trying to run away from myself. It’s funny when that happens because you realize you can’t.
But Jesus helped break the idol of fame in my life which was a HUGE stepping stone. I became more focused on service by going to homeless shelters and volunteering at the women’s battered shelter. I realized how much I loved to serve. When I serve, I feel like I’m doing something for Jesus.
Senior Year:
I can’t believe how quickly I became a senior. I blinked and there it was. For the first time in my life, I started living for Jesus . . . fully. I stopped holding onto my selfish dreams and gave them to Him. I even realized my dream of becoming a writer!
When I surrendered, He started opening doors. I became the worship leader for Cru and even partnered with other worship leaders for a multi-ministry worship night. I was in awe at how God used my love for music to do something for His glory.
Now, as I’m graduating, I look back at how he has taken me to East Asia and New York to share the Gospel. I can’t believe the things He’s done. His dreams are far better than mine ever were . . . are.
It’s funny to think how adamant I was at NOT coming to NMSU. I hated it at first. Now, I’ll be working here upon graduation as part-time staff with Cru.
There are no words to explain how good God has been to me during college. He has helped me hold on when I wanted to let go. He has provided for me financially. He’s given me the greatest friends I’ve ever known. He’s loved me when I’ve sinned against others. He’s revealed sin and has helped me conquer it. He’s redeemed relationships that were broken. He’s given me new dreams and has shaped the old ones into being more like His.
I am beyond excited to see where God will lead me in the next four years. He’s brought me so far and it’s only going to get crazier.
This is an adventure and I’m glad you’re on it with me.
Faith
faith goes to college 