My freshman year is coming to a close and I am not happy about it. The thought of moving out of my tiny room and back into a house with an actual closet and a bed that isn’t 14-feet off the ground is not something that I am looking forward to.

The idea of being at home for three months and away from this town that I have learned to love is crazy. If you would have told me that I felt this way six months ago, there is no way that I would have believed you. Sure, I had my fair share of fun, but there was nothing I wanted more in my first semester than to be back home or to transfer to be with my high school friends.

Freshman year has been difficult: I have had to learn how to study (or at least try), how to fail (a few times), how to be independent (and the value of alone-time), and so many other important lessons. More so, however, it has also been the best year of my life. I have met my lifelong best friends, found 200 new sisters in my sorority, done well in my classes, etc.

I have made my college town my home and have gotten comfortable and content with where I am. I am homesick for my new town when I am away and I am so happy to be there when I stay.

God has challenged me and forced me to dig into who I am in Him. He has let me fall off track and try to live by my own rules, but He never left me en-route.

He has picked me up off the ground when I was drowning in guilt and shame. He has shown me His kindness and all that comes with the perfect love of Jesus. He is breaking down my walls and hidden places piece-by-piece, day-by-day.

My freshman year of college has been the most pivotal season that my faith has experienced. I have learned the truth of His promises and the value of desperately and fearlessly pursuing Him. It has been revealed to me that there is nothing that will stop my sweet Jesus from getting to me.

My freshman year is coming to a close but I could not have asked for a better one. It may have taken me awhile to settle in, but I could not be happier than I am in these moments.

I am so thankful that God has blessed me so abundantly with opportunities like these and I am baffled that the life I get to live is so incredible. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

There is power in seeking and trusting God. If I had not trusted that God put me in Tallahassee for a purpose, I would have missed out on so many incredible opportunities and friendships. If I had not trusted that He would deliver me out of the guilt that I felt for straying so far, I would have missed His call on my life. His word is alive and His promises are true.