Taylor Skinner
I always thought I’d graduate in four years.
That was the plan, right? Four years, walk across the stage, degree in hand, and move on to the next chapter. But life—real life—doesn’t always follow our timelines. For me, it took five years to graduate. And at first, that extra year felt like failure.
I remember feeling disappointed in myself. Watching classmates finish “on time” while I was still grinding through assignments made me question my path. Was I falling behind? Was I doing something wrong? That season was filled with a lot of self-doubt, late-night prayers, and silent battles I didn’t always share.
But here’s what I didn’t see at the time: that extra year was a blessing in disguise.
It gave me space to grow—personally, spiritually, creatively. I met people who changed my life. I found new passions. I gained clarity about who I am and the type of work I want to do. And most importantly, I still graduated. The journey might’ve taken longer, but the destination was still mine.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Now, post-grad life has brought its own set of uncertainties. Moving back to my childhood town felt humbling. Job searching can be draining. Scrolling through LinkedIn while wondering, “Am I behind?” is a feeling I know all too well. But even in the waiting, even in the unknown—I’m learning to have faith.
Faith in the timing. Faith in the process. Faith in the God who brought me this far and won’t leave me now.
Another powerful part of my journey during this uncertain season has been starting my fitness journey. What began as a way to stay active and manage stress quickly turned into something much deeper—it became a source of confidence and self-love. With every workout, I felt stronger not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It reminded me that progress doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and grace, transformation is possible. Pouring into myself has shown me just how connected our minds, bodies, and spirits really are.
Life is not just about sitting still and hoping things fall into place. It’s about trusting God while still doing the work—applying for the jobs, building the portfolio, moving your body, waking up each day and showing up even when it’s hard. I’ve seen firsthand how God can turn delays into divine redirection. How He can open doors that no one else can. And how He can use the seasons we dread to prepare us for the ones we’ve been praying for.
So if you’re in a season of uncertainty—whether it’s school, career, family/friends, or just life—know this: You are not behind. You are being prepared. Keep the faith. Keep putting in the work. And trust that God’s timing is never late.
Because even in uncertainty, He’s still in control.
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