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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: START (02/25/16)
Ashley had plans. Big ones. One might even call them "dreams," for as likely as they seemed. University graduation day was quickly approaching. So much opportunity. So much change. So much to do. So much... expectation. Things didn't seem to be working out how she'd wanted, and there didn't seem to be much time left to do anything about it.

What is it you want to do, Ashley?

"I want to leave a mark on the world. To make a difference. To do something big."

That sounds ambitious, but a bit vague. What kind of difference?

"I want to make the lives of people better."

Improving the lives of others is admirable, but it is still an incomplete answer. What is it you want to do, Ashley?

"I... I don't... think... I know, yet. I'm finishing my Master's of Biotechnology in 4 weeks. I've got a Bachelor's of Science in Microbiology. I'm the president of the BioClub and I've been volunteering at the prosthetics and rehabilitation clinic for a year or so, now. I've done all of this because each one seemed like the natural next step to take.
"While I'm in college, I have a structure to follow. I want to reach the end here so that I can move on to the next stage of life. I know where I want to be, but I've come to realize I don't what to do next."

Of course not. There is no one to tell you what you need to do when you leave the professors and advisors behind. You have a goal. That is good. You've found your natural passion. That gives you direction. However, you feel lost because you are still missing something. What is it you want to do, Ashley?

"I want... I want to... I WANT TO WALK AGAIN!"

Ah, that is where your heart is. You haven't been able to walk since that car accident when you were 12. You've read books about nervous systems, research papers about prosthetics, and medical journals about surgeries ever since. You've learned all you can. So now, what is it you want to DO, Ashley?

"I want to find a way... to walk again."

Then, start. It is time to do. You've done the waiting, the learning, the crying, and praying. You know how to fulfill your dream. If you want to live your dream, there is nothing more that can be done until you start. It will feel scary. It is unknown. You'll be the first, and you may be alone. It won't be quick or easy, and at times it will seem as though you've failed. Don't lose sight of why you've chosen this path.

"But, I've applied at so many places. No one wants to hire someone like―"

Then that is not where you need to be. You've been given this passion. The means will be where you need to be. Have you applied at the clinic where you volunteer?

"Well, no. I don't think I will be able to do what I want to do there."

So, you've decided for them. Does the clinic work with people? Does the clinic help them walk again on their newly rebuilt bodies? Does the clinic improve the lives of others? Does the clinic make a difference, and do something big for the people getting help there?

"...Yes. They do. I think I understand, now. When it is presented in that light, that clinic sounds like the perfect place to start."
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Bowden 
03/04/16
I hope the MC never lost the dream to help others walk.
Larry Whittington
03/05/16
As we learn the gift/talent/desire God has given us, it may take someone to guide us and encourage us to see where we can use those desires.

This could be a good teaching story for young people wondering what to do. First they must learn what they are good at and have an interest in.

The place where God wants us to use our God=given gift may change so we need to be aware of that.

Nice writing. Keep looking at God's word for direction and ideas.
Bonnie Bowden 
03/10/16
Congratulations, J. E., on your 2nd place entry in the Beginner's category. I hope one of your dreams is to be a writer.
AnnMarie Givans
03/10/16
Congratulation on your win J.C.
sometimes a person can't find their way to do what they want, but you helped put things into perspective for Ashley by asking pertinent questions.
God bless.
Sherry Brock
03/11/16
Congratulations on your 2nd place finish. Well done.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
03/11/16
JE, Congratulations on your 2nd place win in the beginning category

Story of courage and determination. I believe there is more to this story than the 750 word minimum would allow.

Could she learn to walk again or would she have to adapt to her current situation.

Well done.