Looking forward

I'm excited about life! I am embarking on a tenacious journey called COLLEGE that is guaranteed to be rewarding and successful, if I continue my formulated recipe that has proven to be trustworthy. The ingredients include; always extending kindness, patience, gratitude, a good attitude, long suffering, but most importantly, loving humankind, and servanthood. I can't believe I'm finally experiencing what is supposed to be the best years of my life. Although these will be some of the best years I also realize these are some of the toughest. Before I arrived at Spelman College it was scary for me to accept that I would be on my own. Even though my family and close friends are no longer with me, I'm really not alone — God has been leading me while establishing good relationships, managing my time, and motivating me when schoolwork seems to be overwhelming.

In college, many students find it easy to veer away from God due to the extra curricular activities, freedom, schoolwork, and newfound relationships. However, this time away from home has pushed me closer to God. "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you" (James 4:7). I have become more dependent on God because I know only he can give me the desires of my heart. God has blessed me with the gift of singing, so I used that concept when choosing the organizations that I would participate in this year. I am a proud member of the Spelman College Glee Club and the Sister's Chapel Praise Team. I am fortunate to be a member of organizations that I enjoy participating in as well as present an opportunity to worship.

I have developed and learned so much, I can only imagine my transformation when my freshman year comes to a close. I am striving for academic excellence as I pursue my goal to become a licensed psychologist. "He that began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). I always like to refer to this scripture when I approach a challenge because it reminds me that God's purpose for my life will exceed above all, no matter what is ahead of me. I am convinced that God began a good work in me the day I was born, and he will carry it to completion.

I am cautiously optimistic about this formational journey. I believe that my gift of intuition breeds my innate spiritual desire to render services of help. It has always been my desire to see transformation take place in people that are hurting and injured. I want to combine my compassion with theory and practical information that will lead to an outcome that pleases both the patient and society, in hopes of seeing the world become a better place because someone cares. I look forward to the study of human behavior, my own growth and development, and becoming a leader God has destined me to be.

Kiersten Hawes is in her first year as a HELM Leadership Fellow and is a member of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, Tennessee.