growing pains

Going home this past week really got me to thinking.  I was able to see lots of my high school friends and reminisce and catch up with everything that is going on in their lives.  Through this process, i realized how much of a different person I am now than I was then.  

Three years ago, I was freshly graduated from high school, and in my own little way I thought that I was pretty cool.  I had graduated with honors and, as the senior class president, I even gave the welcoming speech at my graduation.  I worked as an intermediate EMT on the Parowan Ambulance, lifeguarded at the city pool, and I had a full tuition scholarship lined up for me in the fall at the University of Utah.  Everything was going in my favor.  I didn't really have to try, things were just given to me.  I was ready to move on with my life.  I had closed the high school chapter and couldn't wait to start my college life.  At the time, I thought that I had it rough when my friends wouldn't call to hang out with me.  I had my struggles, but for the most part my life was really good and easy.  

The next three years changed me in ways that I never imagined.  I went my first semester without a 4.o.  I had to support myself and make my own decisions.  I was thrown into a new city with new people.  I didn't have a curfew, I could date anyone I wanted, and I was living the city life.  I fell in love, planned a wedding, and had my heart broken.  I transferred schools and ended up at BYU.  I fought with my mom more than ever before.  I learned how to make new relationships with people while maintaining ones that I already had.  I bonded with roommates quicker than ever before.  I had to tell people things and rely on others to help me through hard times.  My paypal account was broken into so I had to work to get my $850 that was stolen back.  I totaled my car and now make payments on a new one.

Through all of this, I have grown exponentially.  I am a much better person now than I ever dreamed I could be.  Because I am a firm believer that there are no coincidences, I know that the things that I have gone through have all happened for a reason.  I am exactly where I need to be at this point in my life.  Three years ago if you had asked me if I would ever go to BYU or send off a missionary I would have laughed and told you that you didn't know me very well.  But, now here I am and I am loving every minute.  In a way, I have really found myself.  Though I still have miles to go, I know who I am and what I really want out of life.  I am willing to accept change and have an open mind.  I also know that I deserve the best and I don't need to settle for anything less.