In both respects, I can now say that I am much better off. My relationship with God, while not perfect, is in a much better place. I rely on His strength and guidance to get through life, which wasn't the case before. I also have an excellent support group of close friends around me who will help keep me focused on the bigger picture. Knowing that I have both of these things in place makes me much more confident in my ability to succeed academically. By reflecting on my past mistakes and realizing how much I have learned from them, I know I am ready to take on the challenge of college again. My greatest motivation is that I do this for myself while relying on God's sovereign strength. I know I have the ability to succeed. Now that I've experienced failure, I know how to avoid it. I have a goal in mind and I want to achieve it. I want to graduate, not because the world tells me I have to or because my parents expect it, but because I want to. I cling to God's promise that “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens