Over these past couple months, my schedule has been very hectic due to college readiness and applications. During this period of time I had to teach myself how to cope with the added stress.

The biggest lesson that I learned was how to live in the present, not constantly anticipating what the future has in store for me. This doesn?t mean college isn?t important, but not to worry because God is the only one who knows the story of our lives. Growing up in a Christian home my entire life has taught me this.

Once I completed my Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT) and finished my college applications, the only thing I did was wait. I have learned to pray for peace and patience to help ease some of the nerves still left in my body.

I believe that I will have a suitable career, a wife and kids and be able to worship my God for the rest of my life. I know this because God has always pulled through for me and has brought me to a sense of comfort, reminding me that all will turn out well in the end.

In my opinion, a college does not define a person?s knowledge, job readiness or career. It?s not all about the university you get into that determines whether or not you have the life you want to have as an adult. For example, if someone applied to Stanford, which was their dream school, but was denied and instead accepted into Cal Poly, it doesn?t mean that their college experience would be any worse than if they went to Stanford.

I?m not saying don?t shoot for dreams, but if they can?t be achieved, don?t give up or lose hope because wherever you end up is where God intended for you to be in the first place.

If I do my part and apply myself in school and take initiative in college preparation, then God will see me through. If I am faithful in Christ, then there should be no reason to think my dream can?t be a reality.

For more opinions, read the Jan. 8 article, Hmong New Year celebrates culture, commences historical tradition.