On Point 

We feature articles from our growing community each month.

As more of us travel this June, we give consideration to the path we're on.

A Successful Failure

By Dilania Okoko

At 17 years old I entered college without the slightest idea of what career path I was going to take. I was unprepared, and truly naïve as to what college really entailed. I blindly chose accounting as my major, believing that since I had focused on accounting in high school and had received A's all throughout, it was going to be just as easy in college. It turns out I was in for a rough ride and rude awakening. My first semester in college was a total disaster, I failed all of my classes, and my grade point average was a 0.9. I will never forget that number. It still taunts me to this very day.

Shortly after the semester was over, I received a letter in the mail that said I had been placed on academic probation. I thought to myself God, how do I deliver this news to my parents? What am I going to do if I don't make it through college? It was a horrible feeling, only made worse by the fact that this letter also mentioned that my financial assistance for school was in jeopardy. I knew that my parents didn't have the financial means to pay for my tuition. I'm seriously in trouble now.

The thought of working a minimum wage job at McDonald’s or a retail store for long hours, and still not being able to make ends meet scared me and pushed me to seek help. I turned to my school’s counselor and spoke to her about my interests, what I liked and didn't like, and how I was truly confused as to what to do. She suggested I start a major in Liberal Arts since it was a broad degree with several open options after graduation. Considering that I didn't know what I wanted to do for a living, I agreed.

The following week I went to the liberal arts department to put in an official request to change my major. When I arrived at the office the department chair asked me if I knew what having a liberal arts degree meant. I replied honestly and told her, "No ma'am-- but I've been informed that it's a broad degree and this is the safest route for me."

She smiled at me, handed me the school’s book of classes and said, "Go home. Think about what you want. And come back when you're ready." The only thing going through my head was the dread that I might get kicked out of school, but I obeyed and only said, “Ok.” I went home and flipped the book back and forth, but nothing appealed to me. Time was running out, and I knew I had to make a choice quickly.

I finally wound up at the registrar’s office where I prayed, “God, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, and I need your help now.” A few minutes later a girl I knew from one of my classes appeared before me and said, "Hey, can you help me fill this form out?”

She told me that she had decided to switch her major from accounting to human services. I told her that I was also looking to switch my major but couldn’t decide on what the new focus would be…yet. For the next fifteen minutes she told me everything she knew about human services, letting me ask her questions so I could get plenty of insight. I could feel God. Thank you for your guidance, God. I see what you are doing. That day I completed my forms, and turned them in, leaving it in God’s hands to fulfill.

Four years later we both graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, and with grade point averages way above the 3.0 mark. Today I'm continuing my education and pursuing my Master’s in Public Administration. And I’m still learning how to listen to God, and how to yield to His direction.

I've realized throughout my life experiences that when God speaks, He is swift, direct and there is no confusion. This same revelation hit me when I got married, and it happened again when my husband and I became pregnant with our son. We might seek out a path that looks right, but God always finds a way to interject. It is vital, however, that we be sensitive to God’s voice, and that we be slow to act on our impulses. Knowing that God has my very best interest at heart, and that He has chosen me to be more than I could have made of myself is a beautiful honor and I am humbled to His call on my life.

While every road is not easy and many tears are shed, and at times I want to take actions into my own hands because I find the struggle to be too much, I fall back on my knees and remember Romans 8:31 which reads "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

I can stand knowing that my Savior and my King is ahead of it all; that every challenge I am going to encounter has already been conquered by Him, and that while the world may be tough and life may throw many fiery arrows my way, God has already defeated these challenges. I just have to walk the path He has directed for me. It’s amazing how God's favor and grace continue to be given despite our disobedience.

Lastly, I would like to take this time to thank the Human Arrow team for giving me the opportunity to share my story and experience. When I was first given the message by my husband, I was honestly shocked and confused, and didn't even know how to respond. However in learning to listen and yield to God, I happily agreed and I am humble and grateful for this opportunity to share a little nugget with the world.

God bless, with Love,

Dilania Okoko