Your Last Decade #26: Grad Edition

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years!

In today’s episode, we’re going off the beaten path to celebrate. That’s right, it’s Your Last Decade: Graduate Edition!!

My first guest today is Caitlin Smith. Caitlin is a native Austinite (aka a unicorn!) and a recent Texas Ex. She just graduated with her Masters of Science in Marketing and has been a sports photographer for UT Women’s Basketball. In this episode, Caitlin and I talk about what it’s been like living in a missional community, how “vulnerability breeds vulnerability,” and how we need to learn how to love mercy not just for ourselves, but for others as well! You guys, Caitlin is so wise and I loved our conversation today. She has navigated graduation in such a tricky season and done so with grace and understanding. I love her advice to college-aged women, to “be confident in who you are and who God created you to be uniquely.”

In the second half of the episode, I chat with Holly Norris. Holly lives in Georgia with her husband and just graduated from nursing school. She was nominated to be on the show by her friend Amber -- thanks Amber! In our time together, we got to talk about her time in high school and the ways she believed that nursing was out of her reach and how she trusted in God’s faithfulness and that He would fulfill her dreams and purposes. She tells us about how her passion for nursing is driven by connecting with other people and how she loves that she gets to show Jesus to the people she treats and works with. Her advice is to “never feel like you’re less-than...because God’s going to be there with [you]!” so good! I love how clearly God’s steadfastness shines through Holly’s story and how deeply she has embraced it -- it’s so encouraging.

Happy graduation to all of the 2020 grads this year! I’m so excited to see your next 10 years!