“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord…”

It’s a freezing night in Michigan in late 2009. We’re getting slammed with the first big snowstorm of the year and I’m the reporter covering it. I’m a few weeks into my first job in TV news and this is my first big live shot. I’ve been preparing for this moment all day, but now that it’s here, I can hardly breathe.

“Stand by. You’re live in 3, 2, 1…”

Deep breath. And go.

I don’t remember exactly what I said in that live shot, how many inches of snow we got or what the viewers had to say about the “new reporter” (because, quite frankly, there are ALWAYS strangers with opinions), but I do remember having this inexplicable feeling that, even in a new job with so many feelings of uncertainty: “I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”

It’s a familiar feeling, if we rewind about eight years. This time, I’m a freshman at Timothy Christian High School. If I’m being honest, this was not my plan. I had hoped to go to the public school that all my friends were going to and then, suddenly, I was the new kid in the new place trying to find my way. It was a transition packed with a lot of teenage anxiety but underneath it all, I had a feeling I couldn’t really explain and didn’t fully understand — that feeling of being “right where I’m supposed to be.”

I wholeheartedly believe the decision to go to Timothy changed the entire trajectory of my life.

In those formative four years of high school, Timothy helped lay a foundation to trust in God’s plan, embrace where you are and have faith in where you’re going. I wholeheartedly believe the decision to go to Timothy changed the entire trajectory of my life. I was given amazing opportunities, from taking AP classes to playing varsity sports. I was surrounded by faithful friends, supportive teachers and a community that truly looks out for its own. I ended up getting into Pepperdine University in California, majoring in telecommunications and for the last 15 years have lived out my dream of working as an anchor and reporter at television stations throughout the Midwest.

I’ve covered big trials, met presidential candidates, produced a true crime documentary and,  yes, have now done hundreds (if not thousands) of live shots in the snow. I’ve learned the value of hard work and feel lucky to do what I do, but I also believe that those moments of finding myself “right where I’m supposed to be” are not solely due to my own merit and most certainly are not a coincidence.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord…”

If you would have told the timid Timothy freshman that one day she’d be anchoring newscasts in a major market, I don’t think she would have believed you. But along the way, I have seen God’s hand in all of it. I’ve felt called to places that didn’t seem to make sense at the time and later felt grateful for the lessons learned in those places. And I believe, no matter your career or calling, whether you’re a TV reporter or a high school coach or a stay-at-home mom, finding a community that can support you, pray for you, and remind you of your special gifts and talents is truly priceless.

As someone who tells other people’s stories for a living, Timothy will always be part of mine… part of God’s plan, which has always been greater than my own.