College has changed me; not who I am, but what I know, and how I feel. The odds have been against me. I have been absolutely pushed to the limits this past year; with tragedy, health issues, trust issues, and everything you could imagine. People didn’t think I could overcome these things, but God has given me so much strength. When everything has come crashing down on me, He has been my provider, my Jehovah-jireh.
Even through all the personal triumphs I had to overcome last semester, I’ve found everything I wanted in UK. I feel like I have learned more in one semester of college than I have my whole life. And not just facts, but real knowledge. I feel confident to say that I’m a somewhat culturally literate person now. I love going to class and hearing good lectures. And walking on campus just taking in my surroundings. And listening to intelligent conversations.
My faith has strengthened this year, too. I feel like I just wasted so much time in high school partying and being crazy. Now, I would much rather enjoy a weekend of full fellowship and church on Sunday morning, than a crazy party back home.
The people I’ve met are so humble and wholesome, and I have never felt betrayed by one friend here. They’re gracious and kind; not catty, nor manipulative. At home, I don’t even feel like there’s anyone who has truly been a good friend to me in the last few years.
Graduating and coming to college is always a "milestone" or whatever, but for me, stepping onto UK's campus was a defining moment in my life--a defining moment in my faith, my relationships, my independence, and my opportunities. A lot of interesting opportunities have been presented to me recently. I’ve never been a HUGE risk-taker, but I feel like I should try each and every one of these things. UK was an opportunity that I almost didn’t take, and it ended up to be the best thing in my life, so I’m afraid to let anything pass me by.
