Dear High School Graduate

This is the year that you have been looking forward to since preschool. The year where

everybody else in the school looks up to you and recognizes your achievements. It was supposed to be the best year of High School. The year where you have all of your “last firsts.” I know the second half of your senior year did not turn out as you expected. Graduations will look different, proms will look different, senior breakfasts will look different. Take your time mourning your losses, but although this year is different, God is still working through this time. 

When writing this blog post, the verse that kept coming to mind is Jeremiah 29:11. It’s a verse most people see around this time, especially with senior quotes. It says:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to

harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV).

This verse offers so much hope. The fact that the Lord has a plan for each one of us, all 7.5

billion of us. He has a plan that will make us become better people, which will give us new

opportunities, and that will ultimately glorify Him. When we look to the Lord, we find so much peace during a time of uncertainty. While yes, the second semester of senior year has been crazy, take a step back and celebrate because you made it. You have great things ahead of you. Greater than anything you could ever imagine because you have an amazing God rooting for you. 

The future may seem rather far away, but the next chapter is right around the corner. This fall, the memories and firsts you will have at Jacksonville State will shape who you become. There are many opportunities on campus to become involved, including Greek life, Student

Government, Freshman forum, and so many others. Your Journey at JSU starts now, so prepare to meet lifelong friends, make lifelong memories, and have experiences you’ll never forget. 

Even though I have always lived in Jacksonville, moving from resident to student was eye-opening. My whole perspective changed. One of the coolest moments of my freshman year (other than bid day, of course) was during the Phi Mu Dance Marathon when the amount of

money raised was released to the crowd. At this moment, I was even more proud to be a Gamecock. I knew that I was a part of something greater than myself. So, get involved, you won’t regret it because you have great things in front of you. While it is sad to see one chapter of your life close, you have made it, and you will do great things in the next one at JSU.

-Madison Watson PC '19