Meet the 2023 Scholars

"Write a letter to your younger self during a key moment in your life addressing one or more of the following: words of encouragement, lessons you have learned and/or challenges you have overcome."

Oh Abergail, It's been a hot minute, hasn't it? Here lately, it seems as though constant emotions plague my mind as college lingers on the horizon, and I can't help but reminisce on how fast the last few years have escaped by so quickly. Interestingly enough, many memories of the past still very much play a role in my present, and while most are good and some sad, each and every moment has helped shaped the woman I am learning to become. Reflecting on past experiences, the most significant to date, is grieving the loss of someone, who in fact, is very much still alive. How could our best friend, our support system, our person, someone we've known for years, without warning, willingly turn into a complete stranger? I can remember the agony we suffered and how, for the first time, even after all of the bouts with pneumonia, the struggle of inhaling and exhaling from one second to the next, deemed near impossible, and we thought we'd never make it out alive. But guess what? We Did! We made it! We are out here thriving and surviving! Healthy, happy, and living a blessed life. So, when life becomes more than you can bare, remember that moment, and just know you can, and you will, be okay. The most beautiful lessons in life are the ones you must go through to grow through. Don't fret over things beyond your control, stay true to who you are, have faith, and trust that God has already worked everything in your favor. HIS plan is so much bigger and better than the ones we plan for ourselves. Continue to love fiercely and be the light in this cold and dark world. I am so proud of our accomplishments, and I can't wait to see what our future holds. Much Love, Abby J. P.S. You will never guess where we end up going to college. HINT: It's not Texas.