Four years of my life are coming down to what feels like only a few more minutes left. The clock is ticking on my phone, reminding me of all I’ve been a part of in these four years of high school. I have been in newspaper for only this one short year. Reminiscing on the last few years I have spent sharing about Jesus, making new friends, and getting involved, I regret not finding my people sooner.
I didn’t think I would be going to a public high school. I was homeschooled here in Augusta for seven years before being put into public school, and I can say I have a multitude of good and some realistic thoughts about public school. I can say confidently that I have had the most growth and, fortunately, tough experiences in these four years. It was not the most difficult challenge to get used to the academic world here, but rather the question of broken and hurting people who project their sorrows onto other people. I knew from my freshman year that I wanted to be a Christian minister so that I could better inform people of all ages about the truth of Jesus.
The most notable things I have learned and revolve around the areas that I had to push myself. JAG-K (Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas) allowed me to grow in soft skills and prepare myself to go into the workforce. Being in the newspaper class gave me experience in writing that I will use for my career in ministry and the rest of my life. I will be going to Butler Community College for two years to earn an associate’s degree in liberal arts. I will be transferring those credits to a Christian university to pursue Christian Theology.
From being on stage acting and working with stage crew, and memorizing my lines, to the young fired up people who gave me competition at the JAG regional and state career development conferences I’ve been to, and to the national officers and competitors in JAG from all over the United States that I had the privilege to meet. I also would like to thank the teachers who fostered my creativity and continual growing, Mr. Hand, Mr. Stevens, Mrs. McCormick, Mrs. Shelite, Mrs. Pray and Mrs. Springs.
I hope and pray for the young Christians who are at the school. I pray they continue to share their beliefs and do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). I will continue to spread the good news (Gospel) of Jesus while in college; it isn’t too late to make a difference starting now in high school. Thank you everyone for the love and support in these last four years, so keep loving others, and stay in touch with those you care about.
