As it is now 2013, I decided to write a conclusive blog post summarizing all the significant events that occurred in my life during 2012, as well as highlighting some of the upcoming ones for me in 2013. The year 2012 held a lot of changes for me including both good ones and bad ones. Two of the most significant of these included my graduation from high school on May 9th and my graduation from Mountain View Community College on May 12th with my Associates Degree. Both of these accomplishments were special for me and it was even more meaning for me to celebrate them on the same week.
After my graduations I began considering furthering my education more and eventually narrowed my selection down to two potential school: College of the Ozarks, near Bransom MI, and Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK. One morning, while in the shower, I remember telling God that I was so confused about which school to choose and that I wanted him to make the decision for me. That very afternoon I received a letter from College of the Ozarks informing me that they were full for the fall semester and that I would be unable to attend. Although, the timing of this news could have been interpreted differently, I personally believe that this was God's sign, an answer to prayer, meant directly for me.
Following my graduations in May, I attended our regional Nazarene Teen Bible Quizzing event, Extravaganza at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. While there I qualified to attend our national competition and compete on our SNU B team. Although the quizzing competition was stiff I really enjoyed ending my quizzing years in this way. As an added bonus to this I was able to participate on a local team with my siblings and share many special moments with them.
When my family and I returned from our trip to the national quiz competition, things quickly kicked up a notch as my whole family began making preparations for school to start again. I began buying textbooks, making lists, planning out my schedule, and packing. Finally, the day came for my family to drive me up to Oklahoma for NSI, SNU's New Student Orientation process, and eventually my first day of school. Although it was extremely hard to leave home realizing I would not be back for a while, I was at peace knowing that I was doing God's will.
The semester started out slowly for me and often times I thought that it would last forever. Thankfully though, many of my family and friends were praying for me and reminding me that the Lord was with me all the time. As the semester began to come to a close I saw the proverbial 'light at the end of the tunnel' and I was able make a push to the finish. When the semester ended I had received seven A's!! I am so excited! It has been a great accomplishment for me to have done so well while battling the challenges of being away from home as well as a new environment, house, professors and classes.
I am excited and looking forward to starting my next semester at SNU. Once again I will be taking seven classes including three for my major, Public Relations, two music classes, private voice and choir, a required yearbook practicum, and a required religion course. Although it will be a full and busy semester I am eager to learn more and prepare for my future occupation.
I am so grateful for your prayers, encouragement and support in 2012 and I look forward to them in 2013. May the Lord richly bless you! Thank you again!
