Who we are as a person is something we are constantly in the pursuit of. Trying to find answers, and trying to come to a better understanding about this. In this life we are put through a series of events that develop us into that person, constantly being renovated as we move forward in our journey. Being a student is a great way to learn about yourself, the person you are and the person you aspire to be in the world around you. In my years of education, I have realized how much college has taught me, not just through classes and lectures, but also about myself. While in school, I have learned about myself on a deeper level. I have learned about my passions, my beliefs, my strength, my weaknesses, my likes, my dislikes, my dreams, and countless other things. College has taught me more than just basic knowledge, but it has taught me about the world and about life, allowing me to decide what type of person I want to be, being a part of this world, especially as a Christ believer.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

(Ephesians 2:8-10, New King James Version)

As Christian girls we know our Godly purpose, which is to love God and expand His kingdom, and what a beautiful purpose we are blessed to be a part of! But within that purpose, we are much more. We’ve dedicated our time into being students, learning about other subject matters that will be beneficial to our future and to our lifelong purpose. Dedication, commitment, devotion- all these are attributes we learn to pick up as a student. Although, stress, frustration, pressure, and doubt are also things that come hand in hand with school. Being a student is quite rewarding, but it can also be extremely stressful, making it difficult to find that balance, or “silver lining” if I may. So, what is our purpose as a student? What should we accomplish as a Christian student? Most of us are still finding those answers, I know I am. God in His everlasting love and mercy has guided me into some of them.

God has shown me that as a Christian student, I have a much greater responsibility than to essentially gain a degree and commence a career. He has instead shown me that as a student, I am an example to my peers and my family, but above all I am a daughter of the King. I am learning about the world but staying true to His word, learning to be patient and understanding. I am learning about who I am in this world, what I am worth, and to always believe in myself the way He does. College is a time in which a lot of us are exposed to a world we did not know before. We are taught about things we didn’t know, culturally and socially. I have known many people who in a sense, “fall out” during college because they fall into worldly conventions, and loose touch of what they really were in college for. College is a dangerous time for the believer, a time in which one is fed this idea of “the college life” which revolves on constant partying, drinking, and experimentation, and I have heard the saying- you either make it or you don’t. That is why it is so important to stay focused in God, especially as a Christian student. I have been placed in many situations in which my Christian values were questioned, but honestly, I rather live a Godly life for God according to His word. Why? Because at the end of all of this, He is the only person I want to impress. He is the one who I am living for, not this world or its people. God comes first, and I want to live a life worthy of Him, always. I am certain that everyone’s values are questioned at a certain point in their lives, and all I have to say is…think about where God has saved you from, what He has done for you, and what He has made out of you. Is it worth to loose all of that over a social convention? For me, nothing is worth more than that love God has for me.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

(Colossians 3:2-4, NKJV)

As a college student, much is thrown our way, and I believe it is a time in which our values are tested, and our beliefs are questioned. But, our strength comes from above, and we are living a life for Christ. Yes, we are students, and yes we are willing to learn, but we are also saved and restored, given a whole new opportunity from the one above. Our purpose is more than to be a college student, but it is to serve the God who has saved us and live a life that points to Him. I have learned that my purpose as a student is to continue to learn and expand my knowledge, but also continue to trust in our ever-loving God. To live according to His word, continuing to follow His path, and live a Godly life whole-heartedly. We are students; students of God, determined to live a life the way He has taught us through His word.

New King James Version (NKJV)

A Student's Purpose