We've made it to the last week of another semester and another full year of college. All the papers, exams, presentations, and numerous other projects have been graded and reflect in our GPAs. We are all approaching the brink of another year of college, marching valiantly on to our futures, whatever they may be. Before looking too far ahead, however, it's important to take a moment to reflect.
For all you freshmen: You have successfully completed your very first year of college. From the times you aced that paper or awful exam to the worst grade you have ever received and the moments filled with nearly unbearable stress and anxiety, you have succeeded. You have stayed the course, as rough as it may have been, and refused to let the worst times define your college experience. For your persistence and resilience, you are a stronger person.
To all the seniors who have trudged on this course for the last several years: You are now seeing the light of a new day. Your future, the future that has been looming since your first day in college, is arriving. Whatever your plans after graduation, never forget the experiences that college provided. Remember the best classes and the worst. Think back to the times when everything seemed to align with your own plans and to the times when everything defied your expectations. You are moving on to face what some call "real life" and what I like to call "a new reality." College has prepared more than your mind for the new experiences you are facing.
Finally, for all the sophomores and juniors: You are at the halfway point. That proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to burst into view. You might be looking at your course load, filled with advanced classes that are guaranteed to suck plenty of your time away, and feel despair. Don't let your mind get the better of you. Look at these classes, not as potential grades that can make or break your GPA, but as opportunities to learn what you came to college to learn. Yes, the workload may be rough and at times even unbearable. Work through it. One of the most valuable lessons you can learn at college is how to overcome all the stress, obstacles, and challenges that will inevitably occur during your four years. Life will always come with complications, but don't let them rule your experience. Fight back.
The end of another year of college is upon us all. Seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen all have their own worries and concerns as the final week quickly approaches, bringing exams with it. As your life changes in multiple ways, however, always remember to keep Christ close. He is the Rock that never changes, and He will never abandon you. Life happens whether we want it to or not, but if we keep our true goal in front of us (serving Christ), we cannot fail.
