During my years attending St. Brendan's elementary school and Our Lady of Fatima High school I was exposed to some amazing teachers and priests who influenced me in the way that they constantly stressed the idea of praying daily. Thank God I followed that advice because I truly believe it has made all the difference in my life.

In high school I really began feeling the pressure to make a decision about my future. Most of my classmates had a pretty firm plan it seemed, and this discouraged me at times. However, I would often just say to myself, "Hey, no worries. God Will figure it out." As much as I said this, though, I never really prayed on it. I guess I had expected God to do all the work. During junior year of high school I put my concerns about my future aside and got wrapped up in dating and looking forward to my senior year.

I can't tell you how fast that time went by. It was incredible. Before I knew it I found myself at CCRI studying liberal arts, and still struggling with a career choice. I had a good two years there, and although CCRI proved to be a perfect place for me, I still felt there was a huge hole in my life. I remember taking some assessment tests at the end of my sophomore year to help show me what jobs would best suit my personality. As interesting as the tests were, I still felt that nothing appealed to me in the way that I felt it should.

Summer came and I really felt down. I was afraid that maybe there was no true plan for me, and I'd just have to settle for job that I wasn't truly happy with. One day I was discussing the matter with a good friend of mine who I've known for years. I expressed my concerns and he paused for a moment. Then he looked at me straight faced and said, "You know, you'd make a good priest." I joked about it and we had a good laugh. Later that night, for some reason, what my friend had said lingered with me. Even more to my surprise, the idea turned into a deep feeling that would grow in the days following. Well, it eventually got to the point where I could not longer deal with it, so I did the only thing I thought could help. I prayed. I got onto my knees in my room before my crucifix and had a moment with the Lord that I will never forget. I put my feelings into words the best I could: "God, if this is what you want from me, I will give myself to you 100 percent. But you need to show me." Although I received no visible sign, I can tell you that in the next couple days God spoke to me within my heart more clearly than any human being has ever spoken to me. I experienced a feeling inside so intense that I cannot fully express it. The best way I can describe it, is that it felt like I was falling in love. His plan for me was unmistakable, and so I made my choice.

I am now in seminary, giving myself to Him each day, growing in many different aspects. I truly feel that through my experiences in seminary life so far, God has made known to me that he is pleased, and that I've made the right choice. I believe that with all my heart. God has shown me that after all, he does has a plan for me, as he does each of us. It is our duty to talk to him, and ask Him what he wants of us. I can tell you that I firmly believe that by doing so, He will answer.