Finding Your Path: A Personal Reflection
RHS senior Payton Jones holding her acceptance letter to Ozark Christian College.
Throughout my high school experience I have questioned my future almost everyday. I had all of these big ideas, plans, and goals. I never thought that I would be where I am today.
I have wanted to do many things with my life like becoming a missionary, first responder, nurse, and journalist. However, now that I am towards the end of my senior year, I have finally made the decision of how I am going to further my education. Making this decision was one of the hardest things I had to do, yet it was also the easiest.
I prayed everyday as I worried about my future and if I would make the wrong decision. However I realized I was asking God the wrong questions. I started praying for guidance and clarity not only for my future but also for the present. I soon became overwhelmed with the feeling that I needed to apply for Ozark Christian College. Ozark is a school I have been interested in for years, but I never thought I would be courageous enough to apply. I knew that if I didn’t apply I would regret it, so I submitted an application just to see if I would get accepted. The night I submitted my application I asked God to place me on the path he had for me.The next day I got a phone call from Ginny Davis, my admissions counselor at Ozark Christian College. She called to answer any questions I might have as well as asking how she could pray for me. In that moment I knew that Ozark was where God wanted me. I felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I would not only be following my passion but also pursuing a career spreading God’s word.
Two days after submitting my application Ginny called me a third time, though this time it was different. She wanted to personally tell me that I was accepted and would be receiving a $24,000 scholarship. I was so overwhelmed with joy knowing Ozark is the place I will follow my dreams and build onto my happiness. I did not tell anyone that I applied because I wanted it to be between God and I. I knew that if I were to tell anyone I might be influenced differently so I wanted this to be purely in the hands of God. The moment I found out about my acceptance I cried knowing I could finally let go of all the stress and anxiety I have been holding onto for the past four years concerned about my future.
I knew I wanted to tell my journalism teacher, Stacey Jones first. She was the only person I had told that I submitted an application. I went to her when I found out and we cried happy tears together and she gave me the best hug and pep talk I have ever had. She made me become proud of myself and in that moment I realized she was more than just a teacher to me. Mrs. Jones became like family to me, she supported me and got me through so much especially in these past six months alone.
I believe that God is placing me in ministry school because I am so passionate about helping others not only physically but also mentally and through my faith. If I wouldn’t have submitted my application that night after praying I don’t think I would be in the situation I am in now. I have grown so much these past few months and my faith has also gotten stronger. I believe that my faith is going to continue to grow as I begin attending Ozark Christian College in the fall. Surrendering fully to God was the best decision I have ever made. He has helped me in many ways through all of my mental and physical illnesses, as well as the challenge of losing my two great grandmothers. I am so grateful to call myself an Ozark Ambassador. I also am so amazed that I get to see Jeremiah 29:11 become true in my life.

Payton is a senior in her third year of journalism acting as a co-marketing manager and staff writer. She loves to travel and live in the moment. Outside of school she loves being around people and trying to make the best out of every situation. Her favorite bible verse is Song of Songs 4:7 because it proves that everyone is beautiful and worthy. She also feels really strongly about helping with mental health and sharing others voices.