An Intro To Summer

Summer has been spectacular!... and is going by so fast. It is almost August and I still feel like a pre-schooler not quite ready yet to take the huge leap to elementary. I thought that by now my Fairy God Mother would have come and given me my readinesscollegea potion and I'd be magically transformed into a brilliant university scholar, but I'm coming to learn more and more that there is no wing-ed mythological figure to take away my fears and uneasiness, only preparation and reliance on the Lord for strength.
The school year couldn't have been more successful, I did everything I wanted to in High School in a single year, no regrets. I was the lead in the play, I was a sterling scholar, performed in the talent show, I was in many clubs and associations, and more. The best part of this picture perfect year though hasn't been the accomplishments or the worldly success I've acquired, but more the self-discovery I've undergone and the amazing friends I've come to know and love. My mom told me something at the beginning of the year that has changed my whole mentality of living, she said, "Life isn't about what you do or your accomplishments, it's about how much you love and how much you are loved," and I know that I love my family and friends, and I know that I am truly loved not only by them, but by God, and that makes all the difference.

The Weekly Sunday School Lesson

Every Sunday, without fail, if I listen closely to my Sunday School lesson, it answers a prayer. This week was no exception. The lesson was on how if we humble ourselves, we are open to the Holy Spirit's direction finding. My teacher said, and I quote: "There are countless places to go and directions to choose, but if we are humble, Heavenly Father can take our hand and guide us to where our talents and passions come together, you just have to reach up your arm. The Holy Ghost is a direction finder." WOW! Similarities to my "map" analogy in the Graduation post, I think YES! The Lord has answered my prayer of HOW to locate his map to follow, and I am grateful.

Graduation

I can't believe I'm graduated! It feels alien to not have some higher authority saying "this is where you have to be and these are the requirements you must accomplish to succeed", strange and disorienting.
The motto of high school: Try to succeed at as many things as possible.
Philosophy of college: Pick a direction and run with it.
My problem lies in the mental transition. I almost have all my generals done from high school AP courses and concurrent enrollment and I'm being asked to pick a direction and take off running, without a map. The pressure is on to find a major that combines my loves and talents along with the ability to make a living once I graduate... no small task. After multiple freak-outs and breakdowns I have come to realize that I can't do this alone, and it's time to turn my life over to my Heavenly Father.
Mission statement for year 1: Try many things, trust God, take off running with HIS map.