Three Years Changed

“What do you think Freshman you would be thinking right now?” This timely question came up as  I talked with a friend about how I felt about graduation being just two weeks away. It took me some time to answer as I was forced to reflect on the last three years of life in college.

What would my freshman self think of where I am today? In many ways, I think my freshman self would look at me and wonder how I hadn’t changed more. Somedays, it seems I look the same, talk the same, and act the same. Nevertheless, there are days I am taken aback when I am shown a picture from my first year of college because “I look so little!”

So many things have changed, yet it sometimes feels like everything is the same today as it was three years ago. After pondering for some time, I let out an “Ummm, I’m not really sure… maybe, well?” I began listing a few arbitrary things, like the fact that my hair is eight inches shorter, I have ditched my old Reeboks for a fresh pair, and I now have a piece of paper that says I can do things. 

As I continued listing things, I realized there really had been a lot of change. Coming into college freshman year, I was very timid, like many are in their first year. Growing up as an introvert, I had become accustomed to a less-than-social life and was content going through the next few years the same way. To my surprise, within the first few weeks of college, I was blessed with an amazing group of friends who have helped me to break out of my shell little by little. Because of them, instead of curling up in a ball at the thought of having to socialize with strangers, I am more excited about the opportunity to meet new people.

My journey through college has been full of times of trial, and times of celebration, and looking back, I am certain that I am better for it. In the moments that I hid in my room crying as I wrote out a pro and con list for dropping out, I knew I was not going through it alone. My friends, family, and the comfort of God got me through, and I am so glad I had the support I did to choose resilience over fear. 

Today, as a senior, I am more involved in my George Fox community than ever. I am an RA, student, marketing intern, project leader, and club vice president. My timid, freshly graduated high school self would never believe her eyes if she were to see me now. I am more outgoing than I ever thought I could be, and I have been blessed with the most amazing support system that has helped me to grow, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

So, looking back, a lot has changed. Sure, I have cut my hair and refreshed my wardrobe, but I have also become braver, more confident, and excited about new adventures. As I look back to the last three formative years, I am reminded of the change God brings in each season, and I have reason to be full of hope and excitement for the future ahead.