Discerning God’s Plan for Post-Uni Life
Written by Vicky Pearce, Intern (Children and Families)
Hi, I’m Vicky. I graduated last year in 2020…ok let’s just say it - it wasn’t what anyone expected!!! Covid threw my year a little out of whack! But this blog is not about Covid or the ups and downs that was graduating in Fashion Design from my dining room. I am reflecting on what happened, DESPITE all of that... and how I got here.
Going through school, GCSE’s, college and, to an extent, uni, I’ve always sort of looked at the list of courses to choose from, crossed off the ones I absolutely didn’t want to do and gone with the ones that seemed vaguely interesting and achievable. So, I guess you can say that my life choices never really followed any pattern of confidence or great discernment process!
In my second & final year of uni I decided that I best enjoyed the pattern cutting elements of my course. This is the middle mathematical step between having a design and making it into fabric. I am also passionate about menswear and intrigued by the precision of tailoring. This led quite well into me finding my perfect job description– a cutter in menswear tailoring…and it was an actual job that I could get and train for. It would be absolutely perfect. Finally, I was confident in my plan and path. So, I spent my final year of uni tailoring my collection (no pun intended) to fit into a portfolio, all set to apply for this specific job. My mind was set, ready for leaving uni in Nottingham and heading to London for a tailoring apprenticeship.
Until… and we all love that great story plot twist! Well it was more like a soft plot curve (in true covid fashion) that turned into a drastic, slightly nervous, but full-hearted plot twist!
Well, the ‘plot curve’ started when Garreth, a fab curate at St Nic’s, suggested to me that I pray about applying for an internship in children and family ministry. For context - I was already volunteering with the kids work and had done for years. I loved it! However, it was a very hard “no” from me upon his suggestion to apply (apologies Garreth). After all, I had my plan and, when we make plans, they always go our way; life never throws us a curve ball, nothing can change our plans for next year that much, right!? I’m writing this post in lockdown now and chuckling…but it wasn’t a virus or drastic turn of events that changed my plans, it was slow and slight nigglings; thoughts put on my heart by God. I told Garreth I would go away and pray about his suggestions, feeling resistant to something throwing off my well-laid plans! I wouldn’t say God spoke to me in a dream, a big booming voice over Nottingham city centre or an angel by my side, but I can say, with confidence, that God called me into this Internship year. SPOILER ALERT: I did go for the internship and I fully think I am following God’s guidance and direction for my life.
God lays our path. Although I can’t ever say for sure (and although I trust God would have had my back either way), when I think about how this year would have been if I had gone with plan A, I can honestly say that I would have been a lot more anxious going into Covid. As with many other professions, lockdown has horrifically affected the tailoring industry and lots of jobs have been lost. I don’t think I would have been looking back today on a fun and full first year of work if I had gone with plan A. I didn’t see it at the time, but God was calling me into this unexpected year of work and protecting me from worry, lack of job and Covid ruining my plans – not to mention, growing me in new ways through interning! I can’t say how it would have turned out, but I just feel a lot of peace and confidence in my decision.
It’s not a decision I made lightly - I am so indecisive! Pro-con lists were made and endless repetitive conversations were had, but I think most importantly I prayed, listened and was open to God changing my heart (eventually). Discernment looks different to everyone but for me, trusting the feeling God was giving me has been a great experience. I encourage everyone to listen to God, and to be open to how He might be talking to you.
We’ll be running a graduate preparation course, ‘Routed’, for all our graduating students on Tuesdays in March. Look out for more details on how to sign up soon. And if, after reading Vicky’s blog, you’re wondering if God might be prompting you to look into interning at St Nic’s, please register your interest with Emily (emily@stnics.org) and come along to our Intern Information Evening on Monday 8th February.