As I am preparing to graduate, in a month, I can't help but look at the amazing opportunities I have been given. God has strategically opened doors and shut doors to guide and direct my path. It is a bittersweet time in my walk in life as I prepare to say goodbye to Truman State. The many professors who have guided me, encouraged me, and most importantly believed in me. Truman State has been the best place for me, and I believe I am as prepared for dental school as I could be, because of the education I have received as an undergrad student. These past three years have been tough, discouraging, and stressful at times, but the good definitely out weighs the bad. I have had the opportunity to hold leadership roles, conduct my own research project, and push myself to the limits. I have met some of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I've also met some of my most genuine, loving, and caring friends here. Friends I will hold dear in my heart for life. For these reasons I am so glad that I get to stay in the area for the next two years. I still get to be involved in K-Life, an organization that I believe in and invest tons of hours and love into every week all for the glory of Jesus. I will still get to serve along side my best friends reaching a youth culture for Christ. I am so incredibly blessed and honored to be given the responsibility of reaching the kids in Kirksville all in the name of my savior, Jesus Christ. K-Life is working and moving and it is amazing to be part of such a talented, driven, and passionate group of college leaders.
I am completely humbled that God would allow me to be accepted into dental school. Not just a dental school, but the right school for me. As the acceptance rounds are coming to a close around the nation, I have been receiving emails about the schools I interviewed at, applied to, and showed interest. The information included in the emails is mind-boggling. Today, I received an email from ASDOH. The emailed said there were over 3,500 applicants. Out of the 3,500 only 400 were interviewed (11%) and 72 were accepted. To think that I was chosen out of all those people for an interview is so humbling. I've also heard that over 3,000 people applied to my school, and 42 were accepted. That is just a 1.4% chance of being accepted from that large of a pool, and I was one of the first 20 people they accepted. That, my friends, is what I call a miracle. There is nothing extraordinary about Ashley Anderson. I'm just a normal person who God is using to do immeasurably more than I could ever imagine. He is using me to bring glory to His kingdom. I can't believe the blessings I've been given. To think that I will start dental school in three months is unreal. I remember starting college thinking how am I ever going to get in? Here I am, three short years later, staring my future as a dentist in the face. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
"For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13
