By Amerrica Duggan 04.11.2014

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.” – Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

 

My experience at Milligan can be summed up in this awesome verse. Though I may not have words of wisdom to share, I do have a story of how God made my life better because of Milligan College.

 

I spent a lot of time in high school preparing for college. I researched tuition costs, wrote dozens of essays for scholarships, and toured many campuses looking for the right “fit” for me. When I visited Milligan, I knew God wanted me here. I didn’t know at the time why He wanted me here, but I definitely figured it out over the last four years.

 

Though God wanted me here, I let circumstances get in the way of what He wanted. I did not think I could afford it and decided to attend community college instead. When the community college at home started giving me trouble, though, I knew that God wanted me at Milligan. Just a few weeks before classes started in August, I made several calls to my admissions counselor and prepared to come to the place God wanted me.

 

Because I spent so much time filling out paperwork, buying dorm room essentials, and packing my entire room into my itty bitty Saturn, I did not worry about what would happen once I stepped foot on campus. God helped me to ward off fear by keeping my mind preoccupied with other things.

 

When I came to Milligan on move-in day, I knew this environment was way better for me than staying at home and attending community college. Instead of fear, I felt a sense of peace over the decision to attend school here. I trusted God despite uncertainty, and I am so thankful for what He did in my life. Through the last four years, I have built lasting friendships, challenged my mind to think about issues in new ways, and grown in my spiritual walk. God definitely had a plan when He closed the door to community college.

 

Looking back on my four years, I see why God wanted me here. Not only did I meet the love of my life, discover a passion for women’s studies, or build a network of references for job applications; I gained another family. When tragedy struck in my life sophomore year, Milligan became the support system I needed in some of the hardest months of my life. My professors, bosses, and peers surrounded me with love and encouragement. God knew what would happen in my life, and He knew that Milligan would help me through it. I will never forget how the community here has helped me.

 

It’s hard to think about graduating in just a few weeks. I can’t imagine a world without Wonderful Wednesdays, creekings, late night study sessions, and Airband. If you see anyone kicking and screaming across the stage, don’t worry—it’s just me, refusing to accept reality. I don’t like thinking about leaving this family, but I know God has other plans for my life.

 

Despite the fact that I am scared to graduate and enter the next phase of my life, I know God will help me every step of the way. He guided me to Milligan and gave me peace even in the midst of life changes. I may not know where I will be working or living after May 10, but I know that He is in control and He has a great plan for my life. Just as I trusted Him to lead me to Milligan, I trust Him to lead me in the next chapter of my life.