As most high school seniors, I wanted to go off to college and go to a big University and get as far away from my small town as possible. However, that plan did not work; but I couldn’t be more thankful.

I was raised in a small town in South Mississippi where my graduating class had around 90 people. Basically whoever you graduated with, you more than likely went to the pre-school down the road with them also. My graduating class was very close; which is something I am forever thankful for. We became a family as we started our high school journey together; we mourned together and also laughed together. We all learned at a very early age how valuable life is, so we all knew to treasure each day we were given. We lived our high school years to the absolute fullest.

When it came time for our Senior year; it was so bittersweet. I honestly don’t think I ever cried as much as I did the night before our first day of Senior year. I knew it was going to be a year that would change my life; but I also knew it was the last year our whole class would be together. Keep in mind that these people are the ones who I grew up with all of my life. So as our Senior year began and we started planning our senior parties you could sense how each of us were changing. We all knew that the end was coming, especially when you are having your last home football game, your last pep-rally, your last homecoming week, your last prom, and most of all your last day of high school. You then get to the day where you are taking a deep breath and walking across that stage to get your diploma. I remember every moment of that day. I truly believe I will never forget that moment when our principal announced, ” I give to you the graduating class of 2016!”. My blood turned cold at that very moment. We were officially no longer high school students. I felt tears rush to my eyes and tried to hold it in. I looked at my friend that was sitting right beside me and we just laughed. We both at that very moment knew that this was the last time EVER that we would all be together.

There is a Junior College about 30 minutes from my hometown; literally it’s one county over. Most people from my high school go there after they graduate. And then there are a few that go off to a big University; I was supposed to be one of them. I had prayed that I would get the chance to live out my dream and go to The University of Mississippi, my dream school. I had been to all of the meetings when the recruiter would come to our school; I just knew in my heart that I would be yelling “Hotty Toddy!” in the fall. However that dream was cut short. When you begin to actually sit down and look at all of the classes you will be taking your first year, it hits you that college is going to be more than you bargained for. And like I said earlier I came from a very small high school, so I was used to being able to have one on one time with my teachers if I ever needed extra help. I realized that I was going to be more than overwhelmed if I went off to the University. I needed a transition from high school to college, and that is exactly what I got.

I am currently a Freshman at Jones County Junior College, that school that is only 30 minutes away. I yell “Go Bobcats!”, it has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? It is a perfect opportunity for me to get a feeling of independence by living on campus, but it is also close enough to home to go see your family, check on your pets, and get a home cooked meal (Which is a complete blessing). (Seriously though enjoy vegetables and real food while you can, because ramen noodles and the Freshman 15 come faster than you can believe.) I have made new friends, and met so many new people. But I also get the chance to run into some of my high school classmates, which makes this transition a whole lot easier. I give props to the ones who have the courage to go off to a University, I know they are also having a great time. But I also know that going to Jones County Junior College is one of the greatest opportunities I have been blessed with. I am gaining confidence, knowledge, life long friends, and memories that I will carry with me through-out my life.

I know how many of you high school seniors will be upset if you don’t get into your dream school, or if you are like me and realize what you are getting yourself into. But remember as the great Garth Brooks once said, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers”. God works in mysterious ways and we just have to follow his plan, even if we don’t always understand it. Because I can assure you, he will never steer you wrong, and it is all simply part of his plan. I know that me being here at Jones was part of his plan for me, and this part of his plan is preparing me for the next step in my life, which hopefully involves yelling “Hotty Toddy!”. But as for now I am going to enjoy my time here as a Bobcat and continuously pray for my future.

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.” -Proverbs 3:5-6