Personal Narrative-Stereotypical Unemical Middle School

As the stereotypical awkward middle schooler who thought I had discovered my own style of non-prescription "nerd glasses", I had no idea I was embarking on the most treasured time of my life. At a meager 11 years old, how was I to know one part of my life would give me everything. And that one part you ask? Well, that’s where my story begins. Sixth grade was a major transition. Eight classes, PE uniforms, more freedom - except recess - but who was I kidding, it was going to be great! I met so many new people, including this girl Rachel Carney. We became instant friends and started Confirmation at church together that fall. That’s when I met Maddie, Rachel’s twin sister. Despite my newfound friendships, I was sucked into petty middle
school drama and became exclusive to others. That’s when I met Mike, the worship director at church. He knew I loved to sing, took a chance, and eventually had me singing solos in church. All my worry seemed at ease up in front of a congregation who believed in me. Little did I know, everything that happened that year would hold true through today. Continuing middle school, I prioritized other friendships. But Rachel and Maddie never left. We always reconnected through youth group and summer mission trips. My music opportunities kept growing too. I became a permanent part of the worship team and even helped start a youth band. As I got more comfortable with others, I started to expand my friend circle. Around then, I started realizing just how much church meant to me. God was giving me true friends, a place that felt like home, and the confidence to know others. Then along came my start to high school. Two schools and countless new faces made it exciting, but also very unnerving. Freshmen year, I had a large friend group, including the Carney's. At church, I went on high school mission trips, retreats and small groups to experience the amazing opportunities at my church. I also continued to play on the worship team, but in October of 2013, everything changed. Richard, out worship pianist, organized a Rockin’ Christmas Service with nine musicians. Being in a church of mostly traditional music, we weren’t sure how this would translate. Turned out, the congregation loved it! With the overwhelming response, that’s how our band 'Luminous’ came to be. Sophomore year came with lots of schoolwork and doubt. I was drowning in hours of homework a night, youth band was falling apart, and sometimes, even church wasn’t exciting anymore. But suddenly, interest sparked for a new contemporary worship service. Well, would you know, February 1st, 2015, ‘Luminous’ was kicking off the first ever CONNECT Service. I finally regained that feeling I had when I first sang in church, but now I was leading! With all the crazy going on outside those walls, worshipping with my favorite people made every problem seem so unimportant. Still wanting a change from sophomore year, I switched schools. The hardest part was leaving the two who always stuck by my side, Rachel and Maddie. Although I initiated a new friend group, I was still missing something. Through that emptiness and Junior year stress, the only thing I genuinely looked forward to was church. I met some amazing people in my time leading worship. I was talking to adults, kids and everyone in between. Plus, the Carney's were always there supporting me. Today, CONNECT is going strong, Rachel and Maddie are my closest friends, and I'm already emotional about leaving here next year. Through my mistakes and successes, church brought me through it all. God brought me through it all. For that I am grateful. At an eager 17 years old, I now know that one part of my life did give me everything. And that one part you ask? Well, that’s Williamson’s Chapel.