Experiences.

As a senior in high school I made a conscious decision to do things that scared me. I began to craft goals and dream dreams so outrageous I couldn't help but act on them for fear of missing out on the challenge. That has been my philosophy ever since. It has led me to some of the most transformative opportunities that have shaped my values, perspective, goals, and identity. I believe it is invaluable for any young, aspiring individual to chase experiences - those that are presented to them and others that require persistent pursuit.

But before I tell you important, let me give you my definition of experience:

Experience

noun// Opportunity for personal and/or professional development which requires some level of commitment and occasion for learning.

3 Reasons I Pursue Experiences

Discovering Passions

You never know until you try!

I can almost guarantee that you've heard the phrase more than once. Whether it was your mother telling you to eat your broccoli as a child, peer pressure in high school, or a professor in undergrad urging you to challenge yourself. You just can't know for sure unless you try. Whatever it is.

When it comes to experiences, you have the unique opportunity to try things with the possibility of discovering what you're passionate about. You can't really be passionate about hiking unless you've hiked. But say you go hiking once and LOVE it. That gives you motivation to go hiking again. As you continue to hike, your passion grows as well as your knowledge about hiking.

Breadth and amount of experiences increases passion.

I discovered that I had a passion for college student development after attending a conference at Taylor University about student leadership. At the conference, I had the opportunity to see how Taylor develops and encourages its student leaders. At my school (Cornerstone University) I had an idea that student development was an interest for me, but it wasn't until this conference that I discovered my passion for it. Had I not gone to the conference I might have never realized my passion for student development.

The conference was an opportunity, and I pursued it.

Diversifying my Identity

Having a breadth of experiences not only increases passion, but also diversifies me as a whole person.

I anticipate graduation from Cornerstone University in December 2020 with a degree in Strategic Communications and minors in Spanish and Ministry. All of these courses of studies are passions of mine, that could have remained only passions, but I decided to develop them. This development increases my marketability.

I am not simply a communicator, but a communicator with cultural competence and an ability to speak and write in a second language.

I am not simply a communicator, but a communicator with knowledge and experience in Christian ministry.

Seeking Growth

I relentlessly seek growth in both my personal and professional life. Experiences are the catalyst for that growth.

Growth can come in many forms, whether it's improving a skill, developing perspectives and beliefs, or reaching goals. Ultimately, it's the reason for my pursuit of experiences. It's what ties everything together.

Without growth you can't deepen your passions. Without growth you can't increase your marketability.

In the Summer of 2019, I went to Estes Park, Colorado to work as the Chapel Intern for the YMCA of the Rockies. It was one of the most stretching experiences of my life. I had to share a small dorm room with three other women and share community bathrooms with the whole floor. I didn't even have a car. I got to create the framework of my internship and was responsible for filling many of my hours.

However, after spending the entire summer in Colorado I left different. Because, instead of looking at all of the uncomfortabilities as weaknesses of the experience I chose to view them as strengths. These "undesirables" were, in fact, the things that were challenging me to grow the most.

Uncomfortability is the hallmark of growth.

That's why I pursue opportunities that scare me. If your dream don't scare you, it's not BIG enough!