“What would you tell your college self?” from the faculty of Liberty University
“Don’t underestimate what God can do with your life. When you hear the story of how Liberty came from nothing to where it is today, you’ll see how God can use somebody who was the most unlikely person to do something big. That’s true for every one of you.”
“I would say to my college-aged self to be focused on my dream, don’t let the naysayers hold you back. Life will present (you) with many challenges along the way, but you are going to have to and a way to get through them. You can lean on your faith, the assistance of others and family members for advice on how to get through life’s struggles, so don’t ever give up–stay on course to follow your dreams!”
“Never give up on your dreams. As crazy or random or unattainable as those dreams and aspirations may be, if you put in the work and chase them there should be no reason for you to not succeed. Now you may succeed in a different way than you thought or planned, but you will succeed in whatever way God has planned for you.”
“(If I was a senior in college again, I’d tell myself) to not forget all the resources that you still have on campus, from the Career Center to your teachers. Just because you are gone from campus doesn’t mean you are going to never need us again. Also, just take those Christian principles that you’ve learned and use them in the workforce wherever you go. I think that’s really important, and you will never go wrong following God’s way.”
“If given the chance, older Keith would tell younger Keith, ‘You must be focused and flexible at the same time. In order to achieve the goals that you have set for yourself, it requires you to be laser-focused on the objectives required to meet the minimum requirements necessary to be best positioned to reach your goals. However, you should be flexible enough to make the necessary adjustments when obstacles arise. Don’t be afraid to fail but be persistent during the process of maturing.’”
“Your journey into the future is shaped by the people in your life, some quirky, some outrageous and some simply sane. Each one is a gift that adds spice to your life. Appre- ciate the value they bring in shaping who you are. You are blessed in numerous ways. Count those blessings and praise the Lord for them every day. Just because you are graduating, don’t forget to ask God to teach you something new today that you can use for his glory.”
“Establish early on a consistent, daily time with God. Spend 15 minutes a day for 60 days in a row reading the Bible and praying. Worry about the ‘length of time’ later. Allow the Holy Spirit to produce in your life love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Start each day committed to serving others with these fruits/characteristics. Don’t worry about who gets the credit. God will sort that out. Memorize 1 Corinthians 13. Practice it for the rest of your life.”
“Don’t waste your time worrying about what others will think. You have more in uence than you may realize, so use your voice to impact lives and champion change. If God can use a young girl to accomplish his purposes, he can use you to carry out his mission. Don’t underestimate yourself or God’s design on your life. When you focus on what God wants to do in the world, you can be the change you’re look- ing for.”
“I heard it said long ago that ‘God always molds a man’s character to match the assignment.’ The worst thing that man can have is small character for a big assignment, and I think the beauty of Liberty University is the people and its pursuit — their commitment to be a part of something big- ger than themselves and their pursuit of making other’s lives better. So go and ful ll a calling, that charge, and continue to represent our family and yours for greater things.”
“I would tell my college-age self to pursue excellence rather than perfection … to love God with every fiber of my being! I would also try to slow down and enjoy life to its fullest. … I would practice the art of listening more than talk- ing! And just for fun, I would try every milkshake favor at Cook Out! HA! I would love intensely, serve intentionally and live every day with gratitude! Smile!”
“Trust the gifts that God has given you and seize the op- portunities he puts before you. Trust that God has plans for you, and those plans are for you to prosper, no matter how trying or dif cult life will get. Do not listen to the negative things that people say because, unfortunately, some people want to hold you back and make you doubt yourself. Stop with the negative thoughts you tell yourself. Instead, change those thoughts to only positive ones because as a child of God, you are wonderfully and purposefully made. When bad things happen in your life, it doesn’t mean you are a bad per- son. Listen more. Pray more. Speak about Jesus more. Keep looking for Christ’s lessons in everything that happens in your life. And above all, cherish every minute on earth that the Lord has given to praise him, to glorify him and give it all to him.”
“Your chief end in what you do and who you are is to glorify God and to make him known. His renown is your greatest aim in your job, marriage, parenting, friendships, spending, thinking, eating, sleeping — you get the point! In everything live for Him.”
“Christ can be trusted even in your uncertainties, fears and failures. Let him lead. Seek him earnestly and be willing to do whatever he places in your hands even if it is not what you feel qualified or prepared for. … He will give you the grace and strength and the ability you need to accomplish the mission he has given you, for his glory. Christ is the Word thus Christ will never contradict his Word. Be in the Word and be real with Christ consistently. Time with Christ and reading his Word will change your life in every way. He loves you and his plan always will exceed your plan. Trust in him!”
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