The Pivotal Points
May 7, 2018
Doesn’t it seem like every year you look back at your past self and think… “I cannot believe how much I’ve grown”
… well some years are particularly more pivotal than others.
Looking back on my 21 years I cannot think of a chapter in my life that was more influential than my time in college. In honor of my graduation (on Friday!!) I’m going to point out my most pivotal points! So here’s part one… and stay tuned for part two on Friday!
Career Discernment…
From the moment I had a little sister I knew I wanted to be a neonatal nurse (more about this in a future post!) When people would ask the typical “what do you want to be when you grow up” question, without hesitation, I would answer with confidence. In college, everyone around you dabbles with the possibilities of the future… doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc. No one wants to make the wrong choice about their future, especially with the major investment (mentally, emotionally, and financially) you’ve committed to. Friends, family, and professors suggest careers, you might take a course that you love outside of your major, your friends might change their major.. one.. two .. five times (this is not an exaggeration! lol). You may doubt your calling, but doubt will soon lead to affirmation.
It is good to question. Go through all the “what if’s”. Google all the salaries. Watch all the day-in-the-life YouTube videos. Find a mentor. Volunteer. Know exactly what it will take to be a successful… (fill in the blank).
Once you’ve exhausted all of your options… you will realize discernment can be determined through a few simple guide lines.
Will my work be work?… I’ve always heard this phrase but its importance never occurred to me until I was contemplating the rest of my life. When I was making sure nursing was my calling, I had to decide what I wanted my days to look like. Most people spend the majority of their day at work. It seems silly and obvious, but it is something to consider. My requirements included.. not working from a desk, interacting with people, making an impact, and not working 7 days a week.
What do I enjoy studying?… Growing up and into college I’ve considered myself a “science person”. Biology and Anatomy were my personal favorites… while math on the other hand.. not so much (thankfully, I only needed two math credits for nursing :)). I’ve also always loved art. Not drawing or painting.. but dance, creative writing, baking etc.. To me.. the medical field is scientifically driven with room for creativity. The skills are scientific… but science can’t anticipate every situation in the real world.. which is where the professional’s creativity comes in.
Will my work benefit others?… I want the work I do to impact others in the world. Personally, I would not be fulfilled if I wasn’t interacting with people and doing something, physically, to help improve their lives to the best of my ability.
In what ways will my work be rewarding?… Nursing gives people the help that they would not be able to give to themselves. Knowing that I will be capable of improving lives, in terms of health and emotional support, is rewarding to me.
Prayer… In all things determining the future, prayer is the most confirming. Don’t walk the journey alone… Talk through your doubts, express your concerns, and ask for directions.
As your riffle through these pivotal questions write down your preferences… make notes, make lists, scribble the pros and cons… add your own guidelines. There is something about putting pen to paper that turns your goals and opinions to actions. No one will have the same goals, answers, or guidelines… but each of us are called and each of us must determine our discernment…
Once you have made your decision don’t waiver or doubt yourself. Discover your calling and follow your own path.
On to the next Pivotal Points… look forward to a fun Friday full of friendship, diet, and everything in between!
by courtney.
As always if you have any questions… leave a comment below!
