If you’re anything like me, you’ve never been the school going kind. Trust me, I know how you feel. At eighteen, I remember the day I turned in my last exam for my senior year. I felt like dancing out of the classroom. I couldn’t stand homework and tests. When time came to sport the cap and gown, I was grinning ear to ear. Most of my classmates knew what college they had been accepted to and what degree they were going to earn. Me, I just wanted to be done and start working. My parents supported my decision saying, “Don’t go into debt for a degree you’re not even sure you want.” So that’s what I did and I don’t regret it. During those twelve years, I became a different person. My goals changed. I realized the gifts and talents God had given me and what I was passionate about. Once I figured that out, I was excited to get back into school.

When I signed up for my first semester classes, it was a rough transition. I realized I had no management of my time. I’d sit down with the intention of reading one chapter out of my text book and before I knew it, somehow I had ended up spending an hour scrolling Facebook. I decided that if I was going to take school seriously, I had to sit down and figure out a time schedule that worked for me. Once I did , I stuck to it. This means I don’t have as much time as I use to when it comes to hanging out with friends, cruising social media sites or watching TV but it’s worth it. I know the goal I’m aiming for and I won’t sway from it.

Maybe you’ve thought about going back to school but feel inadequate after being out for so many years. Maybe you’ve realized the path you’re heading down has no goal to aim for. Well I’m here to tell you, all it takes is one step at a time in the right direction. For me, that was school. When you first get into the swing of things, it’s easy to feel intimidated. I’m so bad about focusing on the end result instead of the one step that’s before me. I have to remind myself to just focus on the assignment I have right now and not on how I’m going to get through the year. When God is leading you in a certain direction, He walks it with you. He provides you the peace, strength and grace you need. All it takes is a step of faith. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”. God’s plan is for you to thrive. Maybe college is the doorway you need to access that future. If so, do it. Don’t wait another year. God’s got big plans in store for you and to live that dream, you have to do your part.

Betty Rock