My Christian faith shapes how I see both my future and my purpose in pursuing higher education. I grew up in church, spending many Sundays sitting “criss cross applesauce” on the floor with young children, reading Bible stories and helping teach basic truths about God’s love. These moments planted and nurtured something in me. I discovered that I loved working with children, helping them learn and grow.
I continued volunteering with preschool and elementary-aged children at church as I got older, and began to notice how much I enjoyed connecting with each child’s unique personality and needs. During my junior year of high school, I began to think about how I could find a career that uses my ability and love of working with children. I researched different career options and spoke to family and friends who are currently in careers or jobs that work with children. Several family friends suggested I look into Speech-Language Pathology. This field offers the chance to work one-on-one with children, building personal connections with each child and working with them to overcome their learning problems and/or disabilities. I believe the desire to serve children in this way is a gift God has placed in my life.
My faith is also why I feel called to attend a university where spiritual growth is valued alongside academic learning. I want my college years to be a time where my relationship with Christ deepens while I prepare for a career that allows me to serve others. In the fall, I will be attending Samford University as a Communication Sciences and Disorders major with the goal to become a speech pathologist.
Ultimately, my decision to go to college is rooted in my faith. I believe God has given each person unique gifts and opportunities, and higher education will help equip me to use mine well. My hope is to use the education and skills I gain to serve children, support families, and reflect Christ’s love in the work I do every day.
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