A Send-off Letter
We couldn’t be more proud of the wonderful person you’ve grown up to be. As you embark on this new journey in life, we want to give you some words of wisdom and advice that will help guide you on your path.
College is an amazing experience that allows you to learn, grow and create lasting friendships. With that in mind, here are some things I want you to remember:
Always work hard and strive for excellence. You have the potential to become anything you wish. Make sure you take full advantage of every opportunity you come across.
Remember to remain open-minded and take opportunities to try new things. College offers so many unique experiences – make sure you take time to explore and enjoy them.
Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. Your voice is important and has the power to create positive change.
Most importantly, never forget that we’re always here for you. No matter how far away we may be, you will never be alone. We love you and we know that whatever life brings your way, you will succeed.
Love always,
Mom and Dad
Priority
College is an exciting time. It will challenge you in many ways expected and unexpected. It is all too easy to become overwhelmed by the journey ahead of you, but it is important not to lose sight of your ultimate goal.
A great way to stay focused is to remember the Biblical motto: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God”. This mantra is a great reminder that your relationship with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ should always be the top priority in everything you do, no matter how overwhelming college life might seem.
Keeping God and your faith at the center of your life will ensure that all other parts of life are put into perspective and lead to a more fulfilling, successful experience during your college journey.
Relationships
Spending time with God is essential for any healthy relationship, and reading the Bible and praying regularly are some of the best ways to do so.
Unlike other sources of information, such as textbooks or Wikipedia, the Bible is considered to be the word of God and has been found to provide life-changing wisdom and guidance when its teachings are observed closely and reflected upon.
What’s more, taking part in meaningful worship at a gospel-centered church and connecting with other believers can further develop your relationship with God.
There are many forces that can pull you away from your relationship with Jesus and your fellow Christians in college. It’s important to be aware of this so that you can make sure to surround yourself with people who will both lift you and keep you grounded.
Pastor Easley reminds us not to let the world “teach” us theology—in other words, don’t let anyone else’s opinions or beliefs dictate your own.
Consider getting involved in a Christian club as one way to find like-minded friends who will support you and help to keep you on the right path. This can be especially helpful when faced with those who may make poor choices.
By taking the time to be intentional about who you associate with and the impact they have on your life, you will make sure that your faith remains strong.
Don’t forget: don’t let the world teach you theology. It’s up to you to decide what is right and wrong for yourself.
Discovering Your Purpose
Your new friends have the potential to have a great influence on you. If they are like-minded and understanding people, it will only be for your benefit.
Through these friendships, you will gain knowledge and skills that can help shape your purpose in life. You may find yourself trying different activities or joining clubs or sororities that allow you to explore.
As you go through college, keep in mind that God has a plan for your life and it is usually the best outcome even when we don’t understand why certain things happen.
What you learn in college can be integral to how God wants to use you, so take the time to gain knowledge and grow as an individual.
The Importance of Good Choices
You have been a responsible woman so far and we know that you will keep up this same standard of integrity, even when we are not around to monitor your decisions.
Every choice you make, from what to eat or drink, how to spend your time, or which study material to focus on can wildly alter the course of your future.
Small decisions can eventually become habits, and these behaviors are what shape our lives. When making choices, always choose the right thing to do – even when no one is watching.
Utilize your time wisely, since small decisions build up quickly and if you don’t use it accordingly you may not be able to learn everything you need to graduate on time.
We are so proud of you for taking advantage of the great opportunity to attend college, and we know that you will make us even more proud with your hard work and dedication. Keep up the amazing work, we love you!
