motive. passion. drive. 

PASSION 

First semester into Wheaton College, I absolutely fell in love with learning. 

Learning, which I had previously considered to be just a mere obligation, transformed into a genuine passion. Knowledge, which I had previously thought were just facts and numbers, revealed itself as proof and a better understanding of the existence of God. Studying, which I had previously only agreed to participate in because it guaranteed me success, became a tool for me to maximize my glorification to God. Education, which I had previously taken for granted, changed into a blessing that I started thanking God for every night. 

One week into classes, I started a journal of all the times I encountered God during a lecture and simultaneously began a list of all the things I wanted to learn more about. Wheaton's integration of faith into every aspect of learning completely transformed my view of education. Learning and studying was another form of worship and glorification of Christ. In this truth, a new passion for learning planted its roots. 

This profound experience, however, did not leave me satisfied. My next greatest hope and desire was for another student to experience the same. And it is this very hope that has driven me all the way here - to run for this position. 

CALLING 

Many have heard of the story of how I decided to run for Freshman Class Vice President. It's a long story that I would love to share, and still do share as a testimony, if you'd like to sit down and listen over coffee. But long story short, I was not going to run unless I heard an audible "yes" from God. And yes, as you can guess, God answered.

To this day, it's that very "yes" that keeps me going. During my term, in times of hardship, that "yes" reminds me that I was called to this and in that, I find the strength to get back up. In times of doubt, that "yes" affirms me that I am where I am supposed to be and in that, I find my confidence. And even in times of celebration, that "yes" reminds me that all of this was God's plan and in that, I am able to kneel down in thanksgiving and humility.

So, I was hesitant when I was not able to hear an audible "yes" from God when I asked Him if I should run for EVP of Educational Policies. I shared this distress with one of my mentors as she laughed at me and said, "if everything God said was audible, how would you mature in faith?". These words were the start of what encouraged me to run again. 

I was no longer waiting for God to say "yes" out loud. Instead, I was keenly aware and open to the different ways that God speaks to His children. So far, I learned that God likes to speak through what we may think are coincidences or through experiences and thoughts He plants in us throughout the day that we sometimes just gloss over. God, especially, loves to talk through the people around you. I was shocked by how "audible" God was in His silence, as long as I was willing to hear Him. 

It is this inaudible - but almost the most audible - answer that has brought me here today, running. While I do not know what the future holds, I am at complete happiness and peace that I am currently where God wants me to be. If it isn't the vote that I win, I've won a new lesson about a different way God communicates. I've also had so much fun taking campaign pictures, meeting new people, realizing even more strengths and weaknesses about myself, and even learning how to make a website! 

What I want is just this - for His will to be done.