Article November 7, 2011 Issue

College choices

By Nate Waters

Near the end of my junior year in high school, all I heard about was the importance of beginning the college search. Both of my older siblings, who are in college, recommended that I begin as early as possible. I talked with my college counselor about possible schools I would be interested in, and I even took a course to match me with the right schools. By the start of the summer, I had a solid list of schools that I would apply to and hoped to visit. I was particularly interested in two of the schools I had researched, and planned to visit both of them over the summer.

About one month before school resumed, my parents and I visited four schools that I would apply to, including the two top choices that I had been so excited about. I loved my visits to all of the schools, and particularly to one in southern California. It seemed perfect: I fit in with the students, the school matched my academic and social interests exactly, and it was a great fit for me. My parents fully supported my desire to attend the college too. We all thought it was a perfect match for me, and I could easily see myself attending the school and having an amazing time. I became so eager about this college. I wanted to give myself the best chance possible of being accepted because the school is extremely selective.

During this process, my parents and I had talked about the concept of my “right place.” I knew that I wasn’t just scouting geographical locations, but seeking spiritual inspiration—and that the right fit for me included a sense of peace and confidence. I knew that God would lead me, no matter where I ended up. My parents explained to me that, as Mary Baker Eddy put it in Science and Health, “when we wait patiently on God and seek Truth righteously, He directs our path” (p. 254).

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