Starting Now: College Is Hard. This Can Help.نموونە

Identity

Starting a different phase of life, whether it’s in a new state, town, or school, can be scary. Chances are, no one knows who you are. No one knows (or cares) what you were known for in high school. Were you the valedictorian? No one knows that. Known for the mistakes you made? No one knows that either. Known for being funny, popular, nerdy? No. One. Knows. 

(Even if you stayed in town, you probably have a different schedule, a new job, new classes, and you’re interacting with new people. In other words, this is a fresh start.)

On one hand, how freeing! On the other, slightly terrifying. It can make you feel like you don’t know yourself. It can make you wonder who you’re supposed to be. Whether you feel excited, nervous, or a mix of the two, it’s helpful to know your emotions are normal. And, it can take the edge off to know this:

No matter here you go, God knows you. He knows you better than you know yourself—the you that you used to be, and the you that you’ll become. Which is great news, especially when starting something new. While a lot of life is changing, that part isn’t. Your true identity and what God thinks about you didn’t shift when you started college. He knows who you really are.

The truth is, what you are known for—what people think of you or know about you—may change this year. Or it may stay the same. But what you are known for (from the past or the present) is not WHO you are. Who you are is “fearfully and wonderfully” made in the image of God. And the One who made you is the only One who gets the final word on who you are. When everything feels like it’s changing, let that be what keeps you steady. Remember that where you are doesn’t change who you are.   

Think about the following. Maybe jot down some answers.

• What are some things God knows about you that others may not? 
• What words do you think God would use to describe you?
• What would change for you if you walked into every new situation this year knowing you are fearfully and wonderfully made? How might that change how you feel? How you act? How you speak?