“To whom much is given, much is required.” These are the words of Jesus that Dean Douglas Henry quoted on February 8th, 2025. As I sat on the front row at Baylor University’s prospective Honors College student event, the words sent chills running down my spine, and I realized my academic abilities are meant to be used as vessels for the Lord’s glory rather than for selfish gain. The Lord revealed to me the urgency of His calling, kindly encouraging me to utilize my gifts to make His name known in the medical field.
Two years before this, I was selected to attend the prestigious Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth. Through this program, I spent my summer studying Medicine, Microscopy, and Pathology as a fifteen-year-old student. I was hungry for prestige and academic validation, and was chasing acceptance into my dream school, Vanderbilt University. That summer, I was encouraged to compete with other students. Thinking this was the correct way to approach school, I worked diligently and finished the course at the top of my class. However, I left the program feeling dissatisfied with my accomplishments, and unfulfilled with the competitive nature of the academic world.
This experience completely shifted my perspective, and I realized the importance of a college community that encourages students to work together rather than defeat each other. As a devoted Christian, I realized that He was calling me to surrender my academic life to Him. As I pursued Him with more passion and vigor than ever before, I released the future I had imagined for myself and surrendered my college journey to Him. As He pruned my heart, my education became about glorifying Him rather than myself. In surrender, I asked the Lord to show me where to further my academic career, according to His will, and He opened door after door to Baylor University.
When Dean Henry spoke the words, “To whom much is given, much is required,” I felt confirmation that Baylor University is where I am meant to be. There, I will be encouraged by professors and fellow students to work hard for His glory rather than my own. I will be prepared for a future of living for Christ and spreading the Gospel in the medical field. Thus, I have committed to attending Baylor as a pre-medicine student, stepping out in faith and leaving my selfish ways behind.
