The Power of One Decision

Last night I attended "The Power of One Decision" seminar. This presentation was required for our orientation class, and most people were unsure of what to expect. It seemed to go very well. My first reaction was of shock. Here is why:

I was walking into the gymnasium, taking in the milling students around me, when I was grabbed from the side and turned roughly around. A middle-aged man stood gripping my shoulder and pointing at my t-shirt. "Do you know why He died for you?" the man demanded, moving his face closer to be heard. Confused, I looked at my friends for help, but they could offer none. Looking down, I finally realized what the newcomer was asking. On the front of the shirt, there is a picture of Christ on the cross. The text says, "He died for me, I live for him." After making the connection, I nervously retorted, "Because He loves me?" "Yes!! He loves you and also finds you to be important. You are significant. I will address that today. I'm really glad that you wore that shirt. Thank you." With that, he released my shoulder and sauntered off quickly toward the door. Bewildered, I stared after him, realizing that I had just had my first encounter with that night's speaker.

I really thought that I was being abducted or something. I was expecting to be thrown into an old white hippie van and driven away to my demise. I guess it proved to be interesting, though, even without the hippie van. I really enjoyed everything. Parts of it were a bit outlandish, such as the seagull analogy. The image of walking about with crusty bird droppings on my face didn't really appeal to me. Other than that, I respected the fact that he was willing to be so open about his experiences. Things like this motivate people to keep moving toward tomorrow. Sometimes everyone needs a little help. "Live like you were dying," as said by Tim McGraw and my good friend April Keener, and make sure to make those ten seconds count for something great.

Adjustment

A lot has happened since I began my college career here at Missouri Southern. The Honors Survival Seminar helped me immensely. It helped to know some of the people that I was attending class with. I was a little disappointed the next day, however. They had the role simulation, and Jessica and I were not able to attend because of another activity. I have heard that everyone enjoyed it, though, which is good. If anyone has any details, I would like to hear more about it.

Classes are very different from what I am used to. I am used to being the quiet student who studies and spats out facts. The professors here expect so much more. Instead of wanting specifics, they want me to analyze and speak up. The feeling that comes with this idea is incredible. It is such a foreign concept. I have the priviledge of working with such intelligent people... Sometimes it can be intimidating, but mostly I find it liberating to be able to speak my mind and to be able to hear and absorb someone else's opinion. Though the work has been time-consuming, I have enjoyed every bit of my experience.

~Crystal~