PERSONAL | five bits of advice that future Izzy wants to share with past Izzy about freshman year of nursing school

The future, looks brighter than it's ever been

Now that I have fixed my eyes on You

Now anything, anything is possible

In Your hands, there's nothing I can't do

- Austin French -

Hey everyone! Wow, it's been a while since I've posted something on here...

Just wanted to share a few things God has taught me over the last few months during my first year of nursing school. If I could go back to last year and give my little naive self some advice from the future, these are the things I would tell her...hopefully it encourages you! 

Dear 2017 Izzy, some advice:

1. Instinctively, you're going to start triage-ing your life, and you need to remember that studying your Savior is 100% more important than studying for exams.

Unfortunately, this was the hardest one for you to wrap your head around. Having deadlines and test dates made you push your pursuit of a closer relationship with Christ to the back burner throughout the first couple of weeks of your second semester (which you might think is really weird, because usually you and Jesus are pretty tight after New Years. *Surprise, surprise, Izzy!*--you are a weak human). That time without Him was NOT OKAY. Thankfully His grace is so abundant, and He ever-so-gently guided you back (jk, it was more like a brick to the face!). Lesson to be learned: you've got time for Him. And He has time for you, too. Nothing going on in your life right now AT ALL is as important as spending some time talking to Him and seeking His will for your life. So, use that hour drive every morning and evening to pray, pray, pray. Worship can happen anywhere and anytime, so just do it. Also, Bible apps are awesome. Whip out your phone between classes, and get in the Word. You'll be surprised how often it's exactly what you need in that moment. Don't worry--you'll have time to study, too.

2. Find that balance between spending time with family and friends and meeting new people and also spending time alone. Trust me, there's a balance. 

Initially, you are going to seclude yourself because you are in nursing school and it is freaking hard and you'll be stressed to the max. And you'll be concerned that you shouldn't try to make new friends because that will only slow you down. That, dear Izzy, is not true. People matter; this life isn't all about you! Keep up with family and the friends you have--pray for them, spend quality time together, and build new relationships. And seek out new friends and people to study with, and share Christ by word and deed. You were not put in this place to wallow in selfishness. Now, that being said, keep your priority and focus on Jesus, and remember that He is your Great and Best Friend. The people around you are human; they make mistakes. So don't have high expectations, just be encouraging and lift them up. And it's okay to not talk to everyone 24/7/365. Make some time to be still, too. Just let God use you as a vessel and a witness for Him, because He will do that--even in small ways. 

3. Celebrate the little accomplishments.

There is going to be so much that you are going to learn in the next year. Each and every little thing, from pharm calculations to nasogastric tube insertion to birthing babies, it's all cause for celebration. Give. God. The. Glory. He is going to bring you through so much, and you can't do it without Him. So, get excited and give it all back to Him. And also go get some ice cream ;)

4. Speaking of ice cream, try to be a little bit healthy.

Let me tell you right now, you can't live off vending machine Doritos and three 20-oz Yetis of coffee per day. You've tried, and failed. Eat salads, because deep down you know you love them, drink more water, and work out. The campus wellness center is there for a reason. You'll actually study better if you are on the move. Better studying + keeping the "freshman 15" off = win win. Set a good example for your patients! 

5. Let go of your pride. 

Yeah, this applies to your whole life, 'cause ya struggle, girl. But with regards to school, it is okay to not have a 4.0 GPA. Grades don't define you, your identity in Christ does, and if you are doing your best, that is all that matters. You are there to learn and grow, not to show how smart you are, or show the whole world that homeschoolers are the best (even though they kinda are lol). God is going to teach you humility--embrace it, and try not to make it harder than it has to be. You picked a profession where pride can be a stumbling block for your patients' safety, health, and well-being. Be on the alert, stay humble, and pray lots.

You are gonna be just fine!
Love, 2018 Izzy [who is currently enjoying summer break ;)]

"So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD.

His going forth is as certain as the dawn;

And He will come to us like rain,

Like the spring rain watering the earth."

- Hosea 6:3 - 

The End