How I Handled Moving Schools during the academic year. I modeled for my dream designer, Sherri Hill, in Atlanta and Austin. I followed my heart while maintaining an over 4.0 GPA, landed the spot of lead anchor on my school’s broadcast team, and was involved in six clubs my senior year and had leadership positions in three. My dreams never got in the way of my school work. I said no to many opportunities so I could focus on school, hang out with my friends, and have a semi-normal senior year. As much as I loved traveling the country, I made a lot of sacrifices. I missed a lot of traditions. It was hard to say “no” when my friends wanted me to hang out and made me feel bad when I wasn’t there for the little moments. Life is about making compromises and choosing the best option for you. It is so easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of everyone else’s needs and wants before your own. If you do not start to think for yourself you will become lost and have no idea who you are as a person. I struggled with this. Lucky for me, I knew who I was through my identity in Christ. I know everyone is in different places in their walk but it is not selfish to take time to think and do what’s best for you. The bible encourages this and in 1 Peter 5:7-9 it is written, “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” This verse is calling us to put all our hard times on God and He will do the heavy lifting. When we stand firm in who we are and in Him then we can conquer any challenge we face. We are not called to be the hero in everyones story. We are called to live our life with purpose and in God’s image.
I didn’t even know I was struggling until I looked over my classmates at graduation during my opening remarks and felt regret. As I am about to start my freshman year at the University of Oklahoma, I have made a promise to myself to live in the present. Learn to say no when I know I don’t need the added thing on my plate. Life is crazy and if we do not soak in the little things, when we will notice life is getting away from us?
