1. I grew emotionally in 2013 when I was put into a mental hospital

I suffered with severe depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts at the beginning of freshman year,however,it got worse in the month of February, which was when I was enrolled. It was very scary for me. I didn’t have anyone I knew there, and I felt as if my parents had betrayed me. However, going there I was taught that my parents were just trying to help me because they loved me. I grew emotionally because I was taught to have some better self-respect towards myself.

I grew spiritually in 2013 after I left the hospital

 My family was always religious before than, but I dreaded going to church and thought in the back of my mind that God was a big scam. Although  I didn’t want to admit it. I never went to youth group because I was scared and didn’t think I’d relate with any of the kids. However, one day, which I swear was a sign from God, I was going to Church and was just going to pass up youth group but the leader saw me and stopped me. I looked at my parents for some sort of explanation as if they were behind it but they just shrugged. She insisted I join just for the day. Amazingly, I opened up that day to the whole group about my past. My youth leader then prayed for me and I felt God in my presence. Leading me to have a strong belief in Christ.

I grew intellectually when I went on a Mission Trip in South LA, in areas such as Compton, and Watts

 I really wanted to go because I did want to help people but I wanted to explore the rougher parts of LA. To be honest, I had a stereotype towards the areas. We were told we couldn’t wear bandannas and immediately I thought ‘Great we’re going to get shot for being white, or wearing a certain color’. My pastor then told my youth group that we don’t have to be afraid. He wasn’t disappointed that we all thought the same thing since it was expected from all the stereotypes we hear. However, he said we should take this as a moment to witness people who worship God just as much as we do and open up to them. To not shield them off because of where their from. He also mentioned people need help just as much as we do and a lot of people living there were good human beings. And he was right. One of my jobs there was to rebuild a staircase for a halfway home. The men living there were so sweet and had a strong faith in God. They were truly sons of God by trying to help young men who were caught up in drugs or gangs. I respected them so much. By being there and helping the homeless I was opened to new thoughts and I grew intellectually.

Another time I grew emotionally was when I met my best friend Olivia Grahl

I’ve always had good friends however she was different. Olivia went through some hard times herself with her family so she was able to listen and talk things out with me. Also I never realized I was so connected with a person before. Olivia made me laugh hard and forget about me feeling down. She was a best friend sent from heaven.

Another time I grew intellectually was when I went to Boston for a journalism convention 

I met smart professors who taught different views of journalism and skills I can use in my future. Also I managed to become closer with my friends in journalism. Going to Boston really opened up my views of the world and it was very interesting.

by SAVANNAH HOUDEK