In the summer before seventh grade, still näive and unaware of the world around me, I arrived at a small, humble, yet well-known summer camp on the outskirts of San Antonio, with no clue that I would leave as a completely different individual with a completely different mindset. I would leave as someone who believed that things happened for a reason and that you are never alone, no matter how lonely you felt. In the six days that I spent at TBarM sports camp, I grew up and learned more about myself than I could’ve ever envisioned.
One of my counselors, Caroline, a lively, warmhearted, and caring college freshman with a burning passion for God and helping others, and I were relaxing in the cabin by each other’s side on a sunny mid-July day on the second or third day of camp, attempting to memorize bible verses that we found especially beautiful and …show more content…
As we lounged on the coarse, soccer field grass, a comforting silence filled the air as we quietly identified the constellations scattered across the pitch black darkness, the city lights and pollution that came with them too far away to cover the raw beauty of the night sky. Caroline turned over towards me and smiled genuinely.
“Makena, I don’t know when or how you’ll do it, but I know for a fact that you will change the world. I can guarantee you, you will light the world on fire. You’ve inspired me, and I’m not just saying that. Your compassion and devotion have changed me. I won’t ever forget you. Thank you.”
I left camp later that week with a wiser soul, happier heart, and lots of love to share with the world. I learned how incredibly blessed I was, to have had this experience, to have my timeline lead to here and now. In that moment in time, that day, that week, I grew up. I grew emotionally and spiritually, learning things that have shaped my life to become what it is
One of my counselors, Caroline, a lively, warmhearted, and caring college freshman with a burning passion for God and helping others, and I were relaxing in the cabin by each other’s side on a sunny mid-July day on the second or third day of camp, attempting to memorize bible verses that we found especially beautiful and …show more content…
As we lounged on the coarse, soccer field grass, a comforting silence filled the air as we quietly identified the constellations scattered across the pitch black darkness, the city lights and pollution that came with them too far away to cover the raw beauty of the night sky. Caroline turned over towards me and smiled genuinely.
“Makena, I don’t know when or how you’ll do it, but I know for a fact that you will change the world. I can guarantee you, you will light the world on fire. You’ve inspired me, and I’m not just saying that. Your compassion and devotion have changed me. I won’t ever forget you. Thank you.”
I left camp later that week with a wiser soul, happier heart, and lots of love to share with the world. I learned how incredibly blessed I was, to have had this experience, to have my timeline lead to here and now. In that moment in time, that day, that week, I grew up. I grew emotionally and spiritually, learning things that have shaped my life to become what it is