Usually when a teacher gives me an assignment for self reflection I get excited. Self reflection is my thing, I know exactly what to say because of course, it’s coming from me. Even so, for some reason at this very moment I am at a loss of words. I don’t know what to say or think my mind is blank yet chaotic at the same time. Honestly, the fact that I am a senior and leaving high school hasn’t come to realization yet. The thought of not coming back doesn’t scare me… yet.
Partially, I believe it’s because I have been dreaming of receiving my cap and gown since freshman year and partially I think it’s because I am excited for what lies ahead. I can honestly say I am content with moving forward. I feel ready and even though I thought I was ready freshman year, looking back, I don’t think that was the case. As much as I disliked having to wait 4 years for college, reflecting back I see how necessary those 4 years are and how God gave me so many opportunities in those 4 years to shape me into the person I am today and finally make me ready for the next part of my journey.
At the moment I didn’t think that I needed another 4 years of high school. I already had my mind set on what I wanted to do and felt that I was just wasting my life away learning useless things. That’s the funny thing, God works in ways you don’t even realize. He used those “useless things” throughout high school (tests, quizzes, books, etc) to help me become an even better version of myself that is officially ready to move onto the next chapter of my life. I owe it all to Him, He earns all the glory for my accomplishments because without him I wouldn’t be where I am.
Reflecting now I see all that he has done for me from freshman year to now. Freshman year I thought I had it all figured out. I believed that Human Resources was exactly what I wanted to major in. I was also at the time struggling with an eating disorder and had the lowest confidence ever. Along with that I was terrified of public speaking and extremely introverted. Throughout high school, He brought me different opportunities that helped shape me and overcome all these struggles.
He brought me to the Future Business Leaders of America Club where I learned to become comfortable with public speaking and taking leadership positions. Without FBLA, I wouldn’t have become more confident in presentations at school and trying new things. Through the tennis team I learned teamwork, resilience, and how to overcome anxiety. I learned the value of hard work and so much more. Most of all, He helped me to overcome my eating disorder throughout high school, getting closer to full recovery each year. Through this I learned just in time for senior year that I had a passion for Nutrition and wanted to help others who have struggled just as me. I finally decided at the beginning of senior year to change my anticipated major to Nutrition and Food Science, so I can become a Registered Dietitian specializing in autoimmune diseases and eating disorders.
Without God giving me the four years at James Caldwell High School, I would have gone to college as that insecure, introverted, shy girl still struggling with an eating disorder and going into a major she wasn’t truly passionate about.
Therefore, I truly thank God for the blessings He has granted me at James Caldwell High School. I have to give all the thanks that I feel ready for college and to move onto the next chapter. It is because of all these opportunities given to me, all the teachers that supported me, all those who gave me guidance that have made me ready. Looking back at freshman year me to now I don’t even have words to describe how thankful I am for the growth from then to now. It continues to amaze me and leave me speechless. All because of the blessings the Lord has given me. All praise and glory to Him as I move onto the next chapter of my life. I am so excited to see what lies ahead and the growth that He has in store for me.
This article is dedicated to all who have guided me through high school. To my parents, family, teachers, coaches, friends, tennis team, and most importantly my Lord. Couldn’t have done it without all the endless support and encouragement!
