When searching for schools, Concordia was originally not on my list. When I first began my college decision making process, I was planning on pursuing a degree and career in musical theater. I was looking at schools in Chicago area, but because Concordia did not have a musical theater program I had not even considered it.
After working at theater camp over a couple of summers and teaching at vacation bible school and Sunday school, I found my calling in teaching. I have been Lutheran my entire life, and a girl who I went to church with had attended CUC so I decided to start looking in a different direction and that pointed toward Concordia. After talking to my pastor and visiting campus it just seemed like the only choice. I had already wanted to move to Chicago so it seemed logical to look at Concordia Chicago.
God lead me here. When I finally made my decision, things magically fell into place. Even after everything was worked out, I knew it would be hard moving away from home. We spend our whole lives in places and moments in others but it hurts a lot to leave home. One of my biggest fears for college is that I am 5 and a half hours away from home. I am very close to my mom and sister and they provide a wonderful support system for me. Without them here I imagine it is going to be very tough some days.
I have high hopes for my time here at CUC. I hope to accomplish all the goals I set for myself, big and small. Whether these goals are passing a class, finding myself, or just getting out of bed in the morning. We all set goals for ourselves and hopefully as we grow and develop, our goals do too. I hope to pass all my classes. I hope to fit in seamlessly. I hope to find out more about myself as I journey into adulthood.
College is big transition from high school. We learn who we are and where the choices and decisions we make will lead us. Sometimes the biggest step we can take is believing in ourselves. I fear a lot looking ahead. I fear the unknown and the unfamiliar. I fear failure. I fear the inability to accept the changes happening in my life and in the world around me. With all that I fear I know my best course of action is to give it God, because no matter what I hope or fear I know that God will lead me in his path.
I hope to grow in my faith and I hope to one day help others grow in theirs. I hope I can find all the answers that I’m looking for. I hope the college not only prepares me for my future career but for life. I hope it helps me to lead my life in faith. I hope that with every struggle it pushes me to pray more. I’m so excited for the opportunity to be here, to learn and to grow in myself and in God.
College is such a huge life change. I come from a small, rural background. I was born and raised in a tiny town and I went to school with same people for my whole life. The friends I have from high school have known me since I was 5 or younger. The janitor knew my grandpa. I’m from a town where everybody knows everybody.
At home, I never meet a stranger. Coming here is walking into a whole world of strangers. I make new friends easily but, leaving people I’ve known my whole educational career is a huge change in pace. I miss my people. It’s definitely an adjustment to be away from those I love. I am not afraid because I cherish ever day to make new memories and have new experiences.
