Struggling to write a college essay?
Originally appeared online in the teen series Your Healings - October 21, 2025.
It was college application time. Though many described the process as grueling and exhausting, I saw it as an opportunity to share my experiences with Christian Science, deepen my understanding of myself, and bless each reader through my writing.
At first, the process was relatively smooth: fine-tuning personal statements, curating my story, researching schools, and speaking with alumni. I didn’t really encounter difficulty until I reached the final of four supplemental essays for one school. I had rewritten this essay multiple times, but nothing stood out. The message felt flat, misaligned with what I truly wanted to say.
Then, inspiration struck. I realized I had been approaching the essay the wrong way. Instead of trying to showcase myself, I needed to highlight God’s wonderful works in my life. My role was not to impress, but to express—to reflect God, Mind, in every word. I knew that turning to God meant there could be no misstep. Trusting in Him, I leaned into the understanding that nothing bad could come from sincerely sharing God’s love with the world.
I had rewritten this essay multiple times, but nothing stood out.
With that realization, I ran to my room, stepped into my closet, and shut the door—taking to heart this verse: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6).
I sat in silence for a few minutes, praying, as I listened for whatever God had for me to hear.
Soon, an idea came to me. I knew instantly this was from God. That same week in Christian Science Sunday School, we had talked about light: how darkness is merely the absence of light and how light fills all space. Inspired by the verse “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psalms 18:28), I began writing.
What started as a dull, directionless essay transformed into a letter of gratitude to God. I wrote about how the light of divine Love, illuminating my life, had propelled me to share love with peers, teachers, mentors, coaches, and employers. I wrote from a place of sincere thankfulness, recognizing the tangible changes God had made in my life—changes that even made it possible for me to be applying to college.
I finished the essay and submitted it with my mom at my side. I was filled with a deep feeling of peace. I understood then that true inspiration blesses not just the writer but every one of God’s children who encounters it.
About four months later, I had heard back from most of the schools—some acceptances, some rejections. Still, I trusted God and didn’t try to define where my right place was; I knew that was for God to reveal.
Then came decision day for the school I had written my gratitude letter for. I expected a rejection, but kept praying—knowing that whatever happened was God-directed.
When I opened the letter, joyful tears filled my eyes. I had been accepted.
But the depth of my gratitude didn’t fully hit me until I’d received the school’s welcome package. Right on top was my acceptance letter, a flag, and a sticker that read, “Let there be light.”
What started as a dull, directionless essay transformed into a letter of gratitude to God.
In that moment, I felt God’s love around me—so full and so tender. I knew, without a doubt, that this was where I was meant to be.
Today, I’m a student at that very school, and I continue to give thanks for the divine guidance that led me here.
I know even more clearly now that each day is a new opportunity to express God’s goodness and to reflect His light to others.
