My Christian faith has never been just something I claim. It has been the quiet strength guiding me through some of the most defining moments of my life. I grew up watching my mom pray at the kitchen table late at night, her Bible open beside a stack of unpaid bills. I did not always understand the weight she carried, but I understood the faith it took for her to whisper, “God will make a way,” when there was no clear solution in sight. Those moments taught me that faith is not about having easy circumstances. It is about trusting God when the outcome is uncertain.
One Sunday, our pastor spoke about the parable of the talents and how burying what God gives you out of fear is the same as wasting it. I remember sitting there feeling exposed. I had always dreamed of going to college, but I quietly questioned whether I was capable or deserving. That message made me realize that shrinking myself was not humility. It was fear. God would not place ambition, curiosity, and compassion in my heart just for me to ignore them. Choosing to go to college is my act of obedience. It is my way of stewarding the gifts God has entrusted to me. I do not see education as only a pathway to a career, but as preparation for service. I want the knowledge and skills I gain to become tools I can use to uplift others, whether that means mentoring younger students, supporting my family, or serving in my community.
When I step onto a college campus, I will carry more than textbooks. I will carry my family’s prayers, the lessons rooted in scripture, and the belief that God orders my steps. My faith has given me the courage to pursue higher education not just for personal success, but to fulfill a purpose greater than myself.
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