Uncomfort zone

At the end of senior year, when my parents and I made the decision that I would be attending the University of Tennessee, I was devastated. Even though UT is considered a top-tier school and they were offering me the most money in scholarships, I was not excited at all. In high school I was in my comfort zone. By that time I was well-known throughout the school and community, thus I was confident in myself. I identified myself as being fearless; I was not ever afraid to try something new because I knew I could accomplish it. Most importantly, I knew who my friends were. The people I kept in my inner circle were people who I knew I could count on. However, none of my friends were attending UT. My number one fear of going to college was not knowing who I could trust.

When I got to UT, I was an emotional wreck. I called home and my dear friends almost every day. I managed to put up an emotional wall to my fellow students and was verbal about how I did not want to be there. My attitude shifted from a bubbly, kind, caring young lady to one that exuded resentment, anger, and distrust. About half way in to the semester when my father visited me for Parent Week, he realized something was wrong. In tears I explained to him my situation, and asked his help finding a solution. He told me that even though it seemed that I could trust no one here, I could always trust God because He would never steer me in the wrong direction. My heart was at ease, and I made the decision to get out of my comfort zone.

As the semester went on, I felt the old Christina coming back. I started to become more involved on campus, and more interactive with my peers. Even though I have not made many close friends yet, I know I will always have a friend in Christ. He is there to listen when no one else can, He understands what no one else can comprehend, and He comforts me when no one else knows what to say. I pray to God everyday to place me in healthy relationships with others, and I have full faith He will.

Christina Hunt 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.