When I was in college I served as an RA (Resident Assistant) in my dorm and, that year, the majority of students on my wing were freshmen. This year, I got to watch those women walk across the stage at my alma mater’s graduation.

After the ceremony, my college roommate and I found “our little freshmen” and after some screaming, hugging and jumping, we managed to take some pictures and ask about each other’s lives.

I spoke with one friend in particular who had touched my heart from the first day I met her four years ago. She’s an artist, and so right away I wanted to be her friend and talk about art and design. I quickly learned that she has a quiet demeanor at first, a kind heart and a heart for others. She also gives really warm hugs.

I hugged her hard and told her I was proud of her; not just for walking confidently across that stage, but also because of the woman she has become.

She said “You know, I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was thinking about transferring out after my first semester,” she said. “I just didn’t think this where I was supposed to be.”

“I never knew that.”

She nodded and continued, “I changed my mind after I got to know you better. We hung out and I felt that I fit in here and so I decided to stay.”

I didn’t know what to say. I told her that I was so happy she decided to stay, and that I was excited for what God will bring into her life next.

Four years ago, I didn’t know how God could use my time in residence life for His glory. I mainly worried about not saying or doing anything traumatizing or stupid in front of my dorm mates. I never thought I could be a person who helped someone stay.

God can use us even when we are not aware of it.

Maybe sometimes He can use us best when we don’t stand in the way. I’ll look back at the pictures on my timeline and hers and I’ll think back to the dinners we ate, the funny videos we sat and watched for hours and prepping her with pep talks I needed myself. I’ll look back and remember how I didn’t even know everything she was going through, and how that was ok. Because God knew.