During my high school graduation, I sat in the front row, giggling, as Mom made “goofy faces” at me from across the football field. The day I had long been waiting for had finally come, and before I had time to blink, I was sitting on the bedroom floor of my college dorm room, listening to Dad retell stories I had heard a thousand times before. I smiled to myself, soaking in the sound of his hearty laugh as he told my roommates about setting flame to classroom desks in the brickyard after the 1983 National Championship.
Mom and Dad had prolonged our goodbyes for as long as they could, but after Mom’s third trip to Target, Dad knowingly nodded at me and coaxed her out of the room. I followed them to the hallway; we hugged, Mom cried, and Dad kissed my forehead goodbye. I retreated to my bedroom where I found my three roommates. I shimmied to the floor and leaned back against the wall. We sat there, talking and laughing, enjoying the moment of our newfound freedom.
As I sit here and reflect on the past nine months of my freshman year, more than anything, I’m reminded of the people God has used to impact my life and to transform my heart.
This week, I had lunch with my sweet friend Anne. Our friendship is kind of funny. We didn’t necessarily find each other; we were more stuck with one another. Our sisters were friends during their years at NC State, and as Anne and I transitioned into college, they were insistent that we become friends too. Sisters know best.
It’s rare to value someone your own age as a role model. Anne is the exception. She taught me what it looks like to really invest in other people. Having a friendship with Anne means always feeling loved. She is intentional with her words and how she spends her time, and best of all, the girl knows Jesus. It’s an undeniable part of Anne that is evident in the way she lives her life each day. Anne, because of you, I am a better person.
Other friendships in college were not as easy to come by. Although we have the same major, mutual friends, and live in the same building, it took me a whole semester to meet Jordan. She’s my Mayberry girl (you know, the town of Andy Griffith). On the days where my heart seemed heaviest, Jordan was a pick-me-up. She was always up for a long walk and talk or a Dixie Chicks jam sesh. Even this week, in the midst of finals and a semester’s worth of stress, Jordan somehow talked me into a night of line dancing and country music. “We won’t be out that late. Come on; it’s alright! Study tomorrow! Life’s too short!” On my best days, nobody was happier for me than Miss Mayberry. She celebrates each day. Her friendship is a constant reminder that life is good, life is short, and life is better when done together. Jordan, because of you, I am a better person.
Today, our cheerleading team had our final pow-wow together. As we sat around Coach’s living room, we reminisced on the year. During summer practices, the coaches had assigned me to the apartment of a senior named Cara-Beth. The newness of college cheerleading was exciting and most certainly scary. During my first “three-day” summer practice, my parents were out at sea on an Alaskan cruise, and I was informed that my medical records had not been sent to the athletic training center. Until they received my medical information, I was not allowed to practice. I was a mess, y’all.
I had convinced myself that I was going to be kicked off the team; I would be one less inconvenience to deal with. Cara-Beth, without hesitation, said, “Come on! Let’s get in the car and drive to your hometown.” So we went. Cara-Beth and I drove three hours to Lincolnton, waited for the hospital to print my records, and we drove three hours back to Raleigh in time for practice. My first moments spent with Cara-Beth were nothing but an indication of who she is. She is selfless and good. Cara-Beth, because of you, I am a better person.
College meant transitioning into a world of new challenges, new opportunities, new passions, and new people. Change forces us out of being “comfortable” and requires us to evaluate who we are and where we’re going. It is how God grows us through our "adulting" years. These girls are only three of the many people who were part of my life during these past nine months of change. They’re three of the many people who God used to shape me, to mold me, and to change me for the better.
