I am starting my ninth-grade year in the Adventist education program. It’s been a blessing to step into Maplewood Adventist Academy as I grow in God. This year my relationship with the Lord is growing exponentially!
Growing up, I attended three different private schools. Hillcrest Adventist School was where I spent most of my elementary years. My teacher, Mrs. Coto, greatly impacted my life when it comes to knowing God. She constantly prayed over, cared for, and loved us. I remember she would always decorate the classroom in such creative ways; all of these ways would show the glory of God.
It is important to me that people live out their faith through their actions, not just their words. So when I go to school and see God’s character through classmates, teachers, and friends, it comforts me. I know that these people don’t just claim to be Christians, but instead, they truly live through Christ. That has been one of the clearest signs that I’m where God wants me to be.
Early each morning, I have the opportunity to go to the Maplewood library and participate in Bible studies and fellowship with those willing to wake up at 6:30 a.m. These studies have been a source of guidance for me. I go to these studies and feel refreshed for the rest of the day. I immensely appreciate Mr. Defranca and the students who partake in these studies.
I find myself having amazing conversations and hearing wonderful testimonies about God with kids my age. Seeing classmates with a burning passion for God encourages me as I walk with Him. Everyday, I have the opportunity to be a messenger for God, and at school I show it by my actions and my words. I watch my mindset and what I say. When doing so, I can praise God with every word that leaves my mouth instead of using His name in vain.
Another way I show God through the person I am is by my actions. I keep the verse, “…do all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), in my head. So, every time I work I can feel comfort that I’m doing it for the Lord. I have a plan for my future, and, believe it or not, that plan is to follow God’s plan. Knowing that, I don’t have a solid idea of what my future will look like— although I assume that God will use the gifts He gave me to impact my future for His purposes.
Being in a Christian community has shown me what gifts God has given me. As I grow in Christ, I am learning that the gifts He gives us are characteristics of our mighty God. I love the Lord, so I act in His likeness; many people perceive the qualities of God as a gift. Kindness, compassion, sympathy, understanding, and gentleness are some of my favorite qualities of God, so I tend to mimic those the best I can. Those aren’t the gifts God gave me, though; those are simply the footsteps I follow.
Overall, I feel a deep connection with God, and because of my Christian education, I can continue that connection no matter where I am. Even in the hardest times, I know I can give my praise to God because I am there for a reason.
School has had a huge impact on strengthening my relationship with Him, but God Himself did all the work to bring me back. He waited for me with open arms, listened to me in my hardest of times, and blessed me with the little things He knows will make me smile. I won’t give the glory to Christian education; instead, all glory goes to God!
Anna Rittenbach, a student at Maplewood Academy in Minnesota, submitted this article for the 2025 student essay contest last September.
