From Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: In what period since you were a teenager did you have the most personal growth and change? If you wanted to have another such period, what could you do to bring it about or otherwise shake up your life?

Ah, the age-old question: when did you experience the most personal growth and change? For me, the answer is clear as day – my college years at Bluefield College. Those five years (yes, I took the scenic route) shaped me into the person I am today, for better or worse.

From the moment I stepped foot on campus, wide-eyed and full of anticipation, I knew I was in for a wild ride. Little did I know just how transformative those years would be. The friends I made, the classes I took, and the experiences I had all played a significant role in molding me into the adult I am now.

Let’s start with the friends. I met some of the most incredible people during my time at Bluefield. From my Star Wars loving roommate who had an unhealthy obsession with talking to his future wife on the phone and on AIM simultaneously to the group of student leaders I somehow managed to find myself a part of, these individuals became my second family. We laughed together, cried together, and pulled all-nighters together (usually playing Spades instead of cramming for exams we should have started studying for weeks prior). These friendships taught me the value of surrounding myself with people who challenge me, support me, and make me laugh until my sides hurt.

Then there was the education. I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t always the most diligent student. I may have skipped a few (okay, more than a few) 8 AM lectures in favor of sleeping in. But despite my occasional lack of motivation, I managed to learn a thing or two. The professors at Bluefield were passionate about their subjects and had a way of making even the most mundane topics interesting. They pushed me to think critically, question my assumptions, and explore new ideas. Without even realizing it, I was developing skills that would serve me well long after I graduated.

But perhaps the most significant aspect of my college experience was the sheer variety of experiences I had. From joining clubs and organizations to traveling abroad for short-term mission trips, these experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow in ways I never thought possible. I learned how to adapt to new situations, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and embrace the unknown.

Looking back, it’s clear that my time at Bluefield College was a period of unparalleled personal growth and change. And if I’m being honest, there are days when I wish I could go back and do it all over again. But since time travel isn’t exactly an option (yet), I’ve been thinking about how I could recreate that sense of growth and change in my current life.

One idea is to take on a new challenge or pursue a new hobby. Maybe I’ll finally sign up for those piano lessons I’ve been putting off for years or take a cooking class to expand my culinary horizons beyond Hamburger Helper. Another option is to travel to a new place, immerse myself in a different culture, and see the world from a fresh perspective. Or perhaps I’ll volunteer for a cause I’m passionate about and use my skills to make a difference in my community.

The possibilities are endless, but the key is to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown. After all, that’s where the magic happens.

So, dear reader, I turn the question back to you. When did you experience the most personal growth and change? And what could you do to bring about another such period in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear your stories and ideas. Who knows, maybe we can all inspire each other to shake things up and embark on a new journey of personal growth and discovery.