By: Maddie Schmidt
Think about the person you were before college. What did you like? What were you
afraid of? What did you imagine your life would look like? Now think about who you are today.
Maybe some things haven’t changed much, but other aspects might have surprised you. College
has a way of introducing us to parts of ourselves we didn’t know were there and giving us room
to explore who we are along the way.
This change we go through in our college years comes from the freedom to explore. Far
away from the familiar environments we’ve known for years, we have opportunities to try new
things, develop unfamiliar interests and overcome things we once found intimidating.
Nora Stevens, a sophomore culinary arts major, explained that she has become more
outgoing since entering college.
“I used to be more reserved and stayed in a bubble,” Stevens said, “but college has helped
me become more open and engaged with others.”
Arianna Lemont, a freshman nursing major, shared that college has provided her the
opportunity to grow her perspective.
“College has exposed me to new people and experiences that have helped me look at life
differently,” Lemont said.
Beyond the ways we grow socially, students often discover hobbies or goals that help
shape their identity.
Michael Hongo, a senior biochemistry major, explained that he never knew he would
enjoy tutoring until trying it in college.
“Since coming to college, I’ve discovered that I have a passion for tutoring,” Hongo
stated. “It’s one of the greatest feelings to help someone and see them succeed.”
Stevens also discovered a new interest after becoming a college student.
“A hobby I’ve picked up since starting college is journaling,” Stevens said. “I started
because I had so much going on and wanted to relieve stress, but it has turned into something I
really enjoy, especially because it gives me a way to look back on my experiences.”
Lemont realized that her priorities and goals began to shift when she entered college.
“Now that I’m in college, I’m beginning to understand the importance of having faith in
my life,” Lemont said. “I’ve realized that having a relationship with Jesus is something I
genuinely want to prioritize.”
Oftentimes, the things we learn to enjoy or the experiences we have in college would
shock our younger selves.
Lemont explained that her newfound motivation to grow her spiritual life would surprise
her younger self.
“My high-school self would be surprised to see me becoming more interested in my faith
and learning to trust God.”
Hongo shared that his younger self would be surprised to find out that he has taken up
running as a hobby.
“I’ve always told myself I’d never get into running because it looked too hard,” Hongo
stated, “but it’s become one of my favorite forms of exercise and stress relief.”
Part of what makes these experiences and discoveries meaningful is that they belong to a
particular time in our lives. The circumstances that allow us to become these new versions of
ourselves won’t necessarily remain the same.
The small things that make up our college lives, such as rooming with people you might
not have known a year ago, spontaneously getting food at midnight, making friends with people
you may not have met otherwise and staying up until two in the morning talking about life, won’t
stay with us forever. We’ll have to move on to a different season.
Lemont explained that, after her college years are over, she will miss the little moments
she shares with others.
“Once college is over, I’ll miss the spontaneous plans, late night conversations and
everyday memories with friends,” Lemont said.
Hongo explained that the community he has found in his life group will be missed after
college.
“Life group is one of the best parts of my week that I always look forward to, and I’ll
definitely miss it after graduating,” Hongo stated. “Life group is always a nice way to recuperate
after a long week of school and just reconnect with others and with God.”
Even though there are certain things we will look back on and wish we could experience
again, there are other things we can hope to carry with us even after this season of life.
Lemont expressed a desire to keep pursuing her relationship with God, even after college
is behind her.
“After college, I want to carry my faith with me and continue putting God first, even as
life changes,” Lemont said.
Hongo expressed a similar desire to keep God as a priority in his life after discovering the
positive impact He has had on his life in college.
“Consistent devotions everyday have been so impactful on keeping a positive attitude in
everything I do,” Hongo stated. “I hope that I always keep God as a rock and anchor in my life.”
Our college years help us to discover more about ourselves and can help us to build the
foundations of our identity in a short amount of time.
Lemont explained that college has shown her that she still has a lot to learn about herself.
“College has taught me that I am someone who is still discovering who I am and what I
want my life to stand for!”
Hongo expressed that this season of life has helped him to find his identity in God.
“College has taught me that I am someone who is loved by God,” Hongo stated.
Stevens said that since she started college, she has realized how wide her horizon actually
is.
“College has taught me that I am someone who can do more than I ever imagined.”
The people we’ve met and the experiences we’ve had can continue to shape us long after
this season of our life ends. And after moving on to a new phase of life, we will make even more
discoveries about ourselves.
Growing up isn’t about finding one final version of ourselves and holding onto it forever. It’s
about recognizing that each season brings out something new in us and that every version has
something to teach us.
