Inspirations on Life Transitions

by Julia Bonasso (Highschool Graduation Speech: May 2021)

As I debated what I wanted to share today, I thought back over the past year, and I thought about who I was at the beginning of the year. At the start of this year, I was an overly confident 18 year old. But then, the college application process began. My college application process was extreme. I wrote countless essays, filled out many forms, and told colleges way too much about myself. As I awaited admissions decisions throughout the winter and early spring, I had high hopes. However, the result was nothing like I had expected. Rejection after rejection came from these colleges during March and April, and those rejections stung. I couldn’t understand. I had worked so hard throughout high school, and it almost felt like I had nothing to show for it. I was angry and frustrated that things were not going how I planned. However, those moments of rejections taught me three important lessons that I want to share with you all today.

First, rejection is a part of life. Sometimes, no matter how hard you work, things don’t go your way, which was a tough lesson for me to learn. Rejection and hardships are a staple of life. In fact, we are guaranteed we will face them at some point. Yet, we are also given a promise in those moments of a God who remains by our side. This doesn’t mean the rejection won’t still hurt, but when you understand where you stand with God, the earthly rejection becomes less painful. 

The rejection I faced reinforced an idea of which I needed to be reminded: my identity is in Christ. The rejection I experienced could have shattered me. And honestly, with my pride, it should have. But it didn’t. Because I know that my worth isn’t determined by my grade point average, or how many AP classes I have taken, or how well I perform on the court or field. My worth is determined by the God who created me in His own image who loved me so much He sent his only son to die on a cross for me. It says in Psalm 139:14, “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” All throughout the scriptures, we see a promise of who we are to God. We are his children and as it says in Romans 8 nothing in all of creation can ever separate us from the love of God. Not only did those rejections reinforce my identity in Christ, but God also used them to direct my college path. Because of the rejections I received, I have decided to attend the University of Alabama, the school I believe God has been calling me to attend since the beginning of this year. So, my advice is that in moments of rejection and doubt, I encourage you to hold on to the promises of the Scriptures. Trust the promises that God has a plan higher than our own. 

The final lesson I have learned this year is actually a question. “What is your legacy?” It seems so simple, but when you really think about it, it becomes complicated. How do you want to be remembered? I think this is something with which we are all concerned, whether conscious or unconscious. But, as I have navigated a year like no other, that question remained in my mind: What is the legacy I want to leave in my life? I found my answer in the book of Galatians. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 

I can’t say that if you just work and try to do your best you will be fulfilled because I just don’t think that’s true. True fulfillment is only found in Christ. I think William James put it best when he said, “The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” My hope for the class of 2021 is that we change the world; that we live our lives for something that will outlast us. But let me be clear, changing the world doesn’t have to mean starting a global revolution or becoming the president. Those are noble things, but changing the world can be as simple as making a difference in someone’s life. The class of 2021 is going to be spread across the country. From California all the way to New York. From Michigan to Louisiana. Our distance gives us so many unique opportunities to change the world. That change will look different because each of us has unique talents and abilities, but I pray that we use each of our God-given gifts to leave a legacy wherever we go. I pray that Galatians 2:20 is the verse that most accurately reflects the way we live out our lives. 

So, remember that rejection and struggles will come; it is inevitable. But Jesus promises us that if we find our identity in Him, those struggles will pale in comparison to the peace and victory we receive through Christ. Remember John 16:33 which says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Leave a legacy of Christ. Be the light in a world that so desperately needs it. Take advantage of the opportunities you will have to share the Gospel. Use your unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of others.