The Gain is Worth the Pain

Waiting can be difficult. Waiting takes effort, perseverance, hard work, and sometimes a few years for one to see real results. Such as the duration it takes to graduate from high school, college, or any institution, academic or not. As a college student 10 years ago, I went through  some of the marks of being a hardworking student which includes putting in several hours of study for weeks and months unending while preparing for one quiz, exam or presentation or the other. It was much more difficult coming from Nigeria where I had little access to neither computer nor the internet. I struggled with technology as much as I struggled with adapting to a completely new culture and learning to live this new way of life. Yes it was quite an experience.  There’ve been times when I had felt overwhelmed, and on few occasions wondered if I would ever make it.

However, in spite of everything I had to overcome, I refused to give up, I told myself that nothing in life comes easy. I was determined to give it all my had, and I trusted/still trusts the actions of God in my life. I knew that I was not alone, and that God is always with me, and that he will bring to perfection what he has begun in my life. I told myself that since God brought me to the United State, he has a plan, and I for one will not sabotage his plans for my good. Rather than give up, I realized that I could make life easier for myself by taking a step back to discern everything.

After further discernment and consulting my academic advisor, it became clear to me that I was partly responsible for my some of the issues I was having with. I was forcing myself to do something that is not my calling. I was trying to major in Nursing, when I have always know that I am a social worker. As such, changing my major was a blessing; I felt a deep sense of freedom, and the knots in my stomach all loosened up, I slept better and had more time for social and religious activities.

These thoughts came to mind this morning and I find myself using my experience to encourage a collage freshman who seem to be going though a similar experience as I was 10 years ago. He told me that he was excited about going back to college in the United States but is just realizing that he is struggling a with meeting up with academic and job demands since he must also work to be able to pay himself through school. He wondered if she should quit school (which is will be risky because that could put in out of legal statutes). We talked about other things he is struggling with, including pressure from family (in Nigeria) for financial assistance.  

I said so many things to suit my friend. But most importantly, I reminded him that nothing in life comes easy, and that we have the grace of God to rely on when all else fails us. On the other hand, I assured him that this is a transitional time in his life, he will not always be a student. We talked about options, including reducing his credit load and seeking extra help from his professors. At the end of the conversation, my friend confessed that he feels much relieved. He expressed appreciation and thanked me for listening.

Everything is life happens for a reason, and until it is known, it is important for us to continue to let God lead us though life. Be encouraged and go out there and be a beacon of hope for somebody who may be needing you, even as you are read this. Tell all the downtrodden that all hope is not lost, that all will be well because God has got their back. Let us continue to extend the compassion of God to the lost and discouraged, this is what pleases the Lord.