If someone were to ask me what advice I would have liked to be given as a young freshman, just starting out in my high school career, I would have said to accept challenges and take risks.
As a freshman, nothing seems more important than to be accepted among friends and to not stand out in a crowd. However, Fresno Christian gives students so many opportunities to take advantage of their education and challenge themselves academically as well as spiritually.
When I was a freshman, nothing was more important to me than figure skating and good grades. As a competitive figure skater, I am very used to tight training schedules and organized lifestyles.
But over the past few years, my priorities have majorly shifted from my own personal desires to what is most important in life: my friends and family.
In my years here, some events stand out as particularly transformative and significant. I would say that the climax of my high school career was my back injury that I suffered toward the end of my junior year. This experience took me off the ice for almost a year.
After nine months of physical therapy, I was able to get back on the ice pain-free. However, during that time, God really shaped my life.
One chapel specifically stands out to me; a man spoke one Thursday about where our identities come from. Are they from the sports we play? The grades we receive? I realized that day that my identity is in Christ.
Even if I failed at skating or at school, God still loves me and has a much bigger plan than I can imagine.
High school only lasts four years. It seems like forever, but it really does go by fast. Therefore, I challenge all underclassmen to take advantage of their time here.
School is challenging ? there is no doubt about that. But I know that I have personally received so many rewards from participating in different things like leadership, journalism and choir.
Before my back injury, I would never have had enough time to focus on anything but skating and school. Through my injury, God has given me other passions besides skating. Without that trial I would not be where I am today.
Journalism is one of the many passions that I have developed this past year. I have always enjoyed writing, but I joined journalism specifically for the challenge.
I knew it would be tough because I am not very good at meeting deadlines. However, I took the risk and, in return, I got to be on a team that I am proud to be a part of.
Journalism has not only improved my communication and writing skills, but also tested my ability as a student and given me opportunities that I never would have imagined. I mean, I got to hang out with the Sheriff [Margaret Mims] this semester ? that was quite an awesome experience.
Although I participated in many ways, I still have my regrets. My greatest one over these past four years is not focusing on the most important things in life. It is so easy to get caught up in one essay or one rally. However, God has a much bigger plan ? remember that.
Kristina will attend California Baptist University in the fall, majoring in applied health science. She plans to become an exercise physiologist and dietician, as well as coach for figure skating.
For more senior reflections, read the May 26 column, Relationships foster positive memories.
