“Calling” is a word that often gets thrown around to describe a lot of things, like college majors, jobs and personal passions. It can feel overwhelming to think you must be certain of your calling, whether it is when going into college, when you graduate or even ten years down the road. A calling is not meant to box you in but to set you free. Functioning within your calling is knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be.
You Don’t Have to Know it All
I entered college thinking I had to know what I wanted to study and the exact career path I wanted to take. I declared a major in social work because I am passionate about social justice and want to make a difference fighting the inequities of our world. After taking the intro class, I knew the social work field wasn’t for me. I changed my major multiple times and finally settled on a major in strategic communications with minors in Spanish and ministry. I felt that was the best combination of my passions and talents. Now, I am about to graduate and I still don’t know what I am going to do for a career, but I’m okay with that. I know I have studied things I enjoy and that have equipped me for future opportunities.
The decision to study strategic communications does not determine my whole life. It says something about the knowledge that I have and the things I have chosen to pursue, but it does not determine my career. I would love to go on and get a master’s degree, but I’m not ready to say that it would be in communications. I look at education as a way to study things that I desire to know more about and because of that, I believe I will be equipped to do the things I am called to.
Pursuing Your Passions is Within God’s Will
As young Christians looking for God’s plan for our lives, we should consider what God’s will is. I have heard people say they are looking for a sign that what they are doing or what they want to do is the right thing. While God can absolutely speak to us and give us signs and confirmation, I believe it is important to understand that when we are functioning as He created us to, we are already within His will.
God created me with a desire to learn about different cultures and people and a love for the Spanish language. To act on that desire, I have decided to study abroad in Ecuador next semester. I believe that I am honoring Him by pursuing passions He created me with. Sometimes, I think we make it more difficult and confusing than it has to be as we try to identify the things we are called to.
Your calling may surprise you. Maybe you always thought you were going to do one thing and then realize that there is something different you feel called to do. You can step outside of your comfort zone. You can pursue things even if you never thought you would. He has given you freedom to function in your calling, even when it may be scary and different.
You Can Ask for Help
When I was in the process of figuring out what I was going to study, I asked for opinions. Ask the people who know you what they could see you doing. Ask them about qualities that they recognize in you. Your friends and family know you and have seen you in many different environments and seasons of your life. Sometimes it helps to get an outside perspective.
I also met with professors as I was discerning what I wanted to study. They were so kind and honest about whether or not they felt their programs would fit my needs. Professors at Cornerstone are always open to walking with you in decision making processes. I know now, going into my career, that I have them as advocates and resources.
Lastly, I got so much help from the Center for Career and Life Calling. The staff there will help you work through what you want to study, where you want to work, and equip you with tools to do so. I am actively using tools I learned about applying to jobs and career readiness as I look to graduate.
Know that you are not alone. While thinking about the future can be scary and uncertain, it doesn’t have to be. The future is an opportunity to step into your callings and pursue your passions. You can do it!
To learn more about Career and Life Calling, visit the office’s web page!
