I Graduated...with HIGH FAVOR!

Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3 NLT)

Song Inspiration: Graduate – Jonathan McReynolds feat. Hamiltones

I really shouldn’t be here...

I really shouldn’t have walked across that stage and turned my tassel from the right to left.

I really shouldn’t have been able to complete my undergraduate studies in just 3 years because if we keeping it real, college ain’t no joke and the road was real tough.

Some assignments were turned in late, some could have received more effort, and if I’m being really honest, some of them didn’t even make it to the dropbox...BUT GOD!

Ever since I earned my Associate's Degree in high school, all I’ve ever heard is “Congratulations!”, and “Wow! You’re really ahead of the game!”, and “We’re all so proud of you!” Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate ALL the love and support, but I’ve really had to just sit back and reflect on how none of this would have been possible without God. I literally spent so many nights drowning in my tears, because my journey through college was just that rough...

When you set the standard so high for yourself (i.e. earning a degree before even graduating high school), the pressure is ON! Everybody is watching your every move, waiting for you to come out on top, but...it wasn’t as easy as it looked...

When so much pressure is applied, getting to that finish line can be a lot harder. Not that the pressure was intended to make me feel down or stressed, but it really made me want to make everyone proud and I lost myself in the process because I wasn’t taking care of me.

So many sleepless nights, leaving my dorm or apartment around 8:00 a.m. and not seeing it again until 11:00 p.m. cause my days were just that busy...holding down a student organization as president, all while being enrolled in 18 credits AND having two jobs...and that ain’t even the half of it...

Looking back on everything, I realize I probably bit off a lot more than I could chew, but if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned so much in these past three years and I’m so grateful for the experience.

I didn’t graduate with honors, but I can tell you one thing: I graduated with HIGH FAVOR! This is what I mean by ‘I Really Shouldn’t Be Here’: I’ve had so many setbacks and went through so many trials and tribulations while in school, but I came out on top and earned my second degree at 20 years old! God willing, I shall be on the way to my third real soon.

I am a product of God’s Favor! Everyday, He reminds me that I am nothing without Him and if I continue to walk with Him, I shall receive the desires of my heart...and then some! Even the things I don’t deserve...

God, I thank you for this opportunity and I thank you for helping me make it through. Thank you for using me as an example of how you can make anything possible. I’m excited for this next chapter of my life and I know it only goes up from here with You by my side. Amen.

⁃ Kiryn Patrice