The Thankful Project Day 6: A Failure

Happy Hump Day Y'all. Welcome to day 6 of the wonderful Thankful Project.

Day 6: A Failure 

Hmmm- what fun it is talking about our failures? It's a little embarrassing to admit that we aren't perfect isn't it. I know I don't really like looking too deep at all the things I've done wrong in my life, or the things that I failed at. But, I do know that looking back and thinking about my failures also gives a great perspective on life and there's always a lesson to be learned. 

When I was a freshman at Georgia College and State, I decided I wanted to transfer schools to one of the BYU programs. I really felt like this was the best path for me, so I applied to both BYU Provo (the main campus) and BYU Hawaii. 

While Hawaii seemed exciting, I knew that I would pick Provo because it seemed like that was the best choice. I would be closer to my parents, it was a bigger school, and it just seemed like that's what would be expected of me. 

A few months later, my parents gave me a manilla envelope containing my acceptance to BYU..... Hawaii. While I was really excited and happy I got accepted, I was also thinking, "well this is great, but I'm going to Provo." 

And then a few weeks later, I got the news that Provo had accepted me, but I would have to start in the Summer in order to get in for Fall. For me, Summer was not an option. I didn't want to start school with only a short break from my first year of college. I didn't want to say goodbye to my family so soon, but I really wanted to go to Provo. For me, getting in for Summer term was a failure. I wasn't good enough to just get in for Fall. Provo didn't think I was smart enough. *Ironically, Hawaii was actually harder to get into than Provo, especially if you were from the mainland... and, I'll say it - white

Honestly, the next month kinda sucked. I went back and forth on what I was going to do. Hawaii seemed cool- it would be an adventure, but I didn't really know if I could do it. Months of planning and thinking of Utah was suddenly not an option. And then I realized if I couldn't have Provo in the Fall- I didn't want it. 

This 'failure' of sorts completely altered my life plan- I am sure of it. I decided to take the leap and I sent my intent to enroll to Hawaii. Looking back on this 'failure' of mine has shown me how lucky I really was. I got to go to school in Hawaii! The campus was small so my professors really knew me. They were involved in my life, both personally and academically. I met wonderful people and established great friendships. Being in Hawaii taught me so much. I learned that I could be 4,000 miles away from home and survive. I learned that flip flops are actually slippers. And you should always take off your shoes before going inside someone's house. I learned that there is nothing better than taro rolls. 

Being accepted to Hawaii changed my life. It really did. I am 100% positive being in Hawaii was one of the main reasons Matt and I started dating. I don't know how to explain it, but I know Hawaii was a factor. The reason why we are in Korea right now is because of Hawaii. 

I am so thankful that I didn't get accepted for Fall semester at Provo. I really am. I know for a fact that often times failures are the greatest blessings- we just have to look a little deeper. 

Plus, Matt and I got to look amazing when we graduated. How many people can say they got 35 leis when they graduated from college?