Degree Holder &
My Choppy Postcard Style- Life Update:
December 13th, 2024
The day I finally hit submit on my last college assignment.
I kept this to myself for a few days, even weeks, especially from those who don’t live nearby. I wanted to savor the fact that I was finally done. Those who know me well understand the frustration I felt with my education and the endless hoops I had to jump through to figure out my "next steps."
Somewhere in between these two dates
Since the age of 8 or 9, I’ve had to deal with intense foot pain. I was blessed with bony projections on the outside of my feet, known as bunions. While bunions are pretty common, especially in older women, I ended up developing a more uncommon type called a tailor’s bunion, which forms at the base of the pinky toe.
It wasn’t until I started searching for jobs on Indeed, that I realized that once I turned 23 in a few months, I would lose my parents' insurance coverage. I panicked! The conversation about surgery had floated around our house for years, but it always got pushed back because I was an athlete with no breaks.
After more discussion–knowing I wont be on thier insurance, my parents and I scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. A few follow-ups and X-rays later, on January 20th, I finally set the date (February 7th) for my first foot surgery. So, what does this mean for my 2025? Great question!
My right foot will be worked on first, which means I’ll be off my feet for four days, followed by four months in a boot and four months on crutches. Then, I won’t be able to run, jump, or put any hardcore pressure on my foot for another four months. After all that, I’ll do the same for my left foot. Essentially, 2025 will be a year of recovery. Off, resting, and rebuilding for the entire year.
January 23rd, 2025
Our dog was barking at the front door, and my dad answered, bringing in a small rectangular package. My name was on it. I knew this was the moment I’d been waiting for! I tore open the package, heart racing, and finally held my diploma in my hands. It reads as follows:
“Liberty University
The Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the faculty, hereby confers upon
Caitlin Stevens
the degree of
Bachelor of Science
English and Writing: Creative Writing
with all the rights, honors, and privileges thereunto appertaining.
In witness whereof, the seal of the University and the signatures of the officers are hereunto affixed.
Given at Lynchburg, Virginia, on this 13th day of December, 2024.”
Signed by VIP’s
Yes, I was done—and I wasn’t looking back! I’ve never been more excited to have no clue what the future holds, but I’m loving the fact that I’ll never have to write another paper again. On top of the relief, I expressed to my parents how astonished I was to have completed a four-year degree debt-free.
January 25th, 2025
With all the changes and milestones I've hit over the past few months, I decided to take a moment to reflect and appreciate how incredibly blessed I am. Then… Ding… My school email goes off. I take a look, and here's what it says:
CONGRATULATIONS!
You've been accepted into Liberty University's MA Christian Apologetics program for Spring 2025.
Now, this was definitely not what I was expecting. There I was, in Charlotte, visiting my significant other. He was at work, and I was just casually checking my email when I saw it. I quickly snap a pic and send it to my parents. The funny thing is, I'd told myself I would never go back to school, never spend another dime on tuition. But there I was, staring at the screen, realizing that my 2025 was about to look a lot different than I'd planned.
Everything started to fall into place. Maybe not in the exact way I envisioned, and certainly not in the order I would have preferred, but here I am. I'm embracing this opportunity, sitting on the couch for a few months, ready to grow in knowledge, patience, and self-control.
I’ll be immobile for a bit while I recover from a procedure, but during this time, I'm hoping to make significant progress on my Master's. The love and support I’ve received thus far has been so encouraging, and I can't wait to get through these challenges so I can return to my regular “life.”
Somewhere in between these dates
Overload: I’ve been traveling as much as possible, specifically to Charlotte, saying my "see you soons" to some amazing humans. There’s been last-minute baking for my small business, fun gatherings with friends, and of course, making memories along the way.
I got to see LeBron James play for the first time—bucket list moment. I also visited the mountains for a snowboarding trip, which was exactly what I needed before the chaos of everything else. Oh, and I turned 23, which means I treated myself to the greatest cake known to man: Red Velvet from Carlos Bakery. No regrets.
One of the most exciting gifts was my first really pretty fishing pole, along with all the gear that goes with it. I'm already planning my first fishing trip! And, of course, I tended to my garden for the last time–till my feet heal.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of this whirlwind? Spending my last day with my original foot—yes, the one I’ve had for 23 years—cleaning my house and prepping it for my church family. This upcoming Sunday morning–two days after my surgery, we will gather for worship and then indulge in the Soup for the Soul luncheon, where I will have the privilege of trying 6-7 different types of soups. I will probably be served like royalty, and it will be the prefect pick me up. Now we wait…
February 7th. 2025
Well, readers, today’s the day. I’ve fasted for 24 hours, I’m showered up, and I have my comfy outfit picked out. My parents have the car packed with all the essentials: gear/boot, crutches, water bottle, blanket, and, of course, great company.
I just ask that everyone keeps me in their thoughts and prayers today. I’m ready for what’s next, and I can’t wait to be back writing very soon!
Coming soon…
A brand new foot, introductions to new classes, and an optimistic view on embracing stillness.
Stay tuned! There's so much more to share as I continue on this unexpected journey.
