Shuffling up a flight of stairs and down the hallway into your 8 a.m. class is a form of transition. Inserting a couple of nickels, dimes and quarters into the vending machine for that favorite tasty treat in between classes is a transition out of hunger and into utter satisfaction. Transition can be found in things as simple as walking around outside in the burning heat and into a room filled with cool, refreshing air conditioning. Many define transition in terms of beginning the journey at college.
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “be intentional.” An intentional step into any route is one of the most important things a student can accomplish here at Harding. To be intentional is to be completely aware of the next step and completely conscious of the decision made.
As a senior, I am currently experiencing nostalgic moments. I see freshmen and new students walking the paths that have shaped me the past three years. I see myself when I was in those shoes and I suddenly become excited as I live vicariously through every lost and confused stare I see in the faces of freshmen. I must be honest with myself and with the students who choose to read this: Being intentional with others has provided opportunities and blessings that have crafted who I am.
Take the time to look others in the eyes and learn to have intentional joy. Take the time to ask a friend for a great joke because it’s a nice way to share one of the greatest gifts — laughter. Accept vulnerability and invite yourself to places because, let’s face it, who has the time to wait day after day for others to fulfill you? Learning to seek out memorable experiences is imperative. I have learned that you do not have to be an extrovert to make someone feel loved and wanted, a simple smile of recognition will suffice. God did not give us a smile to be hidden in shame and fear. Through intentional steps to places like Midnight Oil Coffeehouse, I have sought out new friendships and learned the stories of others while learning more about myself. An intentional spirit paves the way for the intentional choice to make the experience here at Harding worthwhile.
I can recall moments of embarrassment when I didn’t recognize anyone eating in the cafeteria as a freshman, and I can vividly remember spraining my ankle in front of everyone in the caf as I skipped to get ice cream. I laughed and life went on and now it’s a grand story. It is easy to get caught up in the color of jerseys, the level of spirituality in comparison to others and the defining word that makes you different than anyone else. Because of these strings that jerk us, I promote the challenge to gain control of intentional kindness, intentional pursuit and intentional curiosity. My transition is found in how I make my last year at Harding an intentional one, and for those just beginning and those in the middle, I pray you let your transition be something astounding.
