Published: Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2013 / Updated: Monday, Mar. 11, 2013 01:25 PM
‘Making a difference’ in life is Nation Ford Senior’s goal
FORT MILL --
Editor’s note: This is the third installment of a series documenting the lives of local high school seniors as they prepare for the next phase of their lives. Our intent is to profile as diverse a group of graduating seniors as possible. We’ve asked the subject of each story to submit his or her own self-portrait photo.
At a time when young people are supposed to have all the answers, Kevin Collins, a senior at Nation Ford High School, is still trying new things and finding out more about himself along the way.
“I tried a bunch of things during high school to find out what I didn’t like and what I was looking for,” Collins said. “There’s Future Business Leaders of America right now, and I played sports freshman and sophomore year. I played soccer and ran cross country. I’ve done Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes a couple of times, too.”
Outside of school, Collins makes time to serve the community through his church.
“Church things,” Collins said. “I do a lot of church things. There’s the leadership team that involves serving throughout the year, and middle school small groups, which I love. You get to be a part of their lives and lend wisdom and guidance just by hanging out and forming relationships, which is awesome. I also do media testimonies for the church.”
Though he is not sure about his future, Collins’s volunteering experience has given him one long-term goal.
“I coach for Victory Sports during the year and at summer camps, and I’ve learned that people are very unique. I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet all types of people and it’s something I’m passionate about. I love hearing their stories. I definitely want to do something where I can interact with people. It sounds corny, but I’m thinking about physical therapy because I want to help people get back on their feet,” Collins said.
His family’s battle with epilepsy has taught him the importance of life and the value of his religious beliefs.
“My family is awesome. One of the biggest things that’s changed our family’s lives is [my older brother] David’s epilepsy. That has taught me a thousand things,” Collins said. “It’s proved that God is sovereign and although circumstances suck, He doesn’t suck. He is just as holy and deserving of praise.”
Collins believes that his experience with his brother’s epilepsy has also helped him through the stress of senior year.
“Everything with David taught me maturity when put under emotional stress and how to deal with what’s actually happening. Right now I’m focused on choosing the right college and opportunities to encourage my friends in the same position,” Collins said.
When looking at career possibilities, Collins is praying for a mission.
“I have a huge fear of not making a difference. I don’t want to work in office all the time with no joy or passion. Not in an adrenaline junkie way, but I want to love my family and what I do,” he explains.
As his high school years come to a close, this senior would like to share what he’s learned with everyone.
“Looking back on high school, it was more challenging than I thought it would be, but I really enjoy school and life in general. If I had one message to send to the world, I would say that even when your situation doesn’t seem so great, God is just as loving. He desires to be connected with you and that desire caused him to send Jesus,” Collins said.