A Journey of Reentry

Walking into my house for the first time after almost a year away was surreal. Everything was familiar, yet so different. And there, to greet me with all his excitement, was Chewy. At that moment, it felt like everything was right in the world… that is until 6 p.m. rolled around.

It was my first family dinner in nearly a year. As I sat there, watching my family talk and laugh like they always had, I realized how much I had missed. There was a whole year of life I hadn’t been a part of, and it made me feel out of place. It wasn’t just me that had changed—but everything around me had continued on without me.

I thought it would help if I unpacked, but that really just consisted of me throwing everything out of my closet. I was frustrated and overwhelmed by how many things I had. It felt like a mountain of stuff I didn’t need, didn’t want, or didn’t know how to handle. After a walk to clear my head, I sat with my mom. We both realized this wasn’t just hard for me—it would be hard for all five of us. This adjustment would take time, and we’d need to walk through it together.

As the days and weeks went by, things started to get easier. I learned how to be part of a family again. I reunited with old friends and began sharing stories of my journey with the people I loved. I felt welcomed back by so many. What surprised me most was the freedom to drive and go wherever I wanted—whenever I wanted. I had forgotten what it was like to feel so safe and independent.

I had planned to attend LSU in the fall, but as I settled back home, things began to change. My passions shifted in unexpected ways. It was like a rerun of what had happened when I first found the race—once again, doors started to close, and I found myself at a crossroads. I prayed, asking God for clarity. It was then that someone mentioned COTK College, and I felt peace about pursuing it. The decision was clear: I wanted to live at home, get a degree, and find a community that would help me grow. So, I applied, and just like that, everything fell into place so quickly.

At first, it was hard to understand why God would take me on this incredible journey only to place me right back where I started. It felt humbling, almost like I had gone backward. But then, a mentor of mine, Pastor David, gave me a perspective that changed everything. He said, “It’s like God has you on a catapult. It feels like you’re being pulled backward, but really, He’s preparing you to launch even further.” At first, I didn’t get it. How could taking a step backward lead to anything better? But over time, I realized the truth in his words. It was a shift in perspective that changed my attitude and helped me embrace where I was, even if it didn’t look like what I expected.

Still, even with the right perspective, the process was difficult. For weeks, I would go home, hide in my room, and cry. I was overwhelmed by the changes and the adjustments, but gradually, I started to find peace in it. I began to trust that God had me exactly where I needed to be.

In August, our squad reunited for a few days at the base in Georgia. It was a time of worship, catching up, and reflecting on our shared year. Being there again felt so right. That place had become a comfort, a familiar space that I’d missed. I had been looking forward to the reunion all summer, but when it came time to say goodbye, I realized that this would be the last time we would all be together like that. There would be no more reunions, no more big gatherings. That final farewell hit me harder than I expected because it was right then that I knew I’d never experience something like that again. But in its own way, that final goodbye was special.

The reunion set me back a few days in my adjustment process, but before I knew it, school started. I was still overwhelmed, but I had begun to find joy in where God had placed me. I started to trust His plan more, even if I couldn’t always see the whole picture. Over the summer, I had people walking alongside me who helped me process the race and move past it so I could be fully present in this new season. It was painful, but once I let go of the last piece holding me back, I began to experience a deep joy in this new chapter of life.

I started to see my college program differently. I began to appreciate the people around me more. I saw God differently. Most of all, I saw myself differently. The person who came home wasn’t the same person who left. And though the adjustment was tough, I could see how everything—the race, the changes, the challenges—had shaped me into who I was meant to be.

Now, six months after coming home, I can honestly say I love where God has me and who I’ve become through this process. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’m learning to embrace the uncertainty, the setbacks, and the transitions, knowing that each step is part of a bigger journey God has been preparing me for all along. I’ve had the opportunity to go back to Northlake, my old high school, to share about my race, how it impacted my life, and how living a life of excellence can be done by anyone. God is using me here, and it’s only been six months. There’s a world of opportunities in front of me, and I’m excited to partner with God and see where He takes me.

So, I’m pursuing a Business Administration degree through Oral Roberts University at Church of the King College.

And I’m living at home with my family again.

I’m reunited with my old community but as a different person. A better person.

I’m embracing change as it comes.

I’m excited for what’s ahead and for what’s right now.

I’ve let go of old things and replaced them with new, greater things.

I’m happy to be who I am today.