My high school graduation announcement photo above.
As I am bombarded today with Facebook and Snapchat memories of my high school graduation two years ago, I can't help but be flooded with memories and my old thoughts and dreams. Two years ago today, May 14, 2017, I was saying goodbye to the best of friends I had ever had and preparing my first year of college in just three short months. A year ago today, May 14, 2018 I was in a similar position. After spending my Spring Semester 2018 in Nashville, I was once again preparing for the change of going back to Chattanooga to start my sophomore year of college. Today, May 14, 2019... I am beyond thankful.
I am a completely different person than that 18 year old, two years ago in her cap and gown and expecting to take on the whole world by storm. Although I am not nearly as ambitious as I used to be, I am very pleased with where I am headed. My 18 year old self was young and naive. I believed I was so ready for college that by the time reality kicked in two months into my freshman year and life happened, turning my entire life around... I had to grow up.
My life is continuously changing, all of ours are. Babies are born, loved ones are lost, hate twists people's minds, and God is always by our side. I struggle knowing that God is not just by us in the good times, but in all the bad. When the enemy attempts to take over, Christ is there... protecting all of us.
Two years ago, I would not have been able to tell you that I wouldn't stay at Chattanooga my entire freshman year, or that I'd return my sophomore year and join a sorority of incredible sisters. I wouldn't have told you that I'd bust my butt second semester of sophomore year with 18 credit hours, three jobs, and 40+ hours of fieldwork. On this day, I am not able to say where I'll be in a year. However, I look to the future with hope. God has continued to bless my life with my loving family and friends. I have had opportunities I never thought possible.
I am going to be real, this time last year I was struggling with the terrible pain of ovarian cysts. In and out of countless doctor appointments and ultrasounds until we finally found the results months later. There were days where I was so concerned about the unknown pain in my body that I had fears of the future. Unknowing of what was bringing me such aggravating pain. After discovering the cysts, I was put on medication to help prevent them. Last week, I had a check-up ultrasound and was blessed to find out that I no longer have any cysts.
Every year on May 14 will be different for me and you. Regardless of the change constantly happening around us, we must not forget that change is good. Although I loved the girl I was two years ago, bringing her tassle to the left of the cap...I would not be the woman I am today if the past two years did not happen. So, let life happen. Grow from your experiences and don't dwell on the person you used to be. The person you used to be never encountered all that you have now.
"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous change. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." Lao Tzu