Today I went to my last Georgia Southern football game as a student. 

I took a picture with my roommate for the past two years and good friend, and afterward it seemed to actually dawn on me. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the fact that it was a “last” that got me, it was the fact that four years have passed since I entered college.

Part of me would say the months have flown, the other part would say they haven’t. I feel like the greatest teller of time for me is how much I have changed, how my life looks different now than it did four years ago.

I entered college a collegiate track and field athlete, with big dreams of going far and being light for Jesus in the world of collegiate athletics. I leave still a runner, but with no collegiate track and field accolades to my name. That’s okay, don’t read that as if I pity myself. It’s just how things have changed.

I entered college in a dating relationship with a good friend of mine; it ended soon after my first semester but taught me a lot about myself and what a good dating relationship could and should look like. Where am I now? I’m with a man I love dearly, and who I can myself spending the rest of my life with. Hallelujah to God’s grace in my life.

I entered college a timid people-pleaser. I was too consumed with making choices based on people and their reactions. I lived dwelling on another’s expectation of me, instead of what I believed. I leave a far more confident woman of God, passionate about what she believes and what she wants, not fearing other people’s disapproval or finding satisfaction in their approval. Praise Him.

I entered college with a not-so-fantastic relationship with my little sister. We fought a lot, and it was hard on my heart. Now we have a true relationship, growing better by the day. She’s growing, maturing, and it has mercy written all over it.

I entered college not knowing if I would find a home-away-from home in a church. Where I am now? Filled with joy in gratitude that I get to work with the group of hearts that I get to do ministry with. The church is more than I could’ve asked for, and I thank God for it often.

There are so many more, but it would be a rather exhaustive list.

All I can say is Thank you, Jesus.