But then one day, as I sat in a study area trying to wrap my head around corporate finance, I thought, “passing Corporate Finance won’t help me get into Heaven.” Not by itself, at least.

I had been through some pretty low moments sitting in my room alone — contemplating my GPA as I register to retake a class, or looking at a photo of someone I didn’t didn’t know and deeming her prettier or better than me. In those quick moments, I forgot that I have bigger goals. I am more than my GPA, my Instagram profile, my career, my belongings, etc. 

We live in such a beautiful world that God gave us. There is so much offered here! We’re offered jobs, travel, opportunities, higher education, friendships and so much more. Yet I find myself often needing to be reminded that we are, in fact, made for more — we’re made for Heaven. 

Education and social media are both extremely important and useful tools during our time on Earth. However, we must remember that they are just that — tools — and they are temporary. 

Our self worth ought to be anchored in Christ’s vision of us. Can you imagine if we saw ourselves as our Creator saw us? This is how I try to overcome my overactive brain most days. I remind myself of who created me and why He created me. 

In a loud world it’s sometimes hard to remember that, so I remind myself to take a step back, perhaps limiting my social media.

Make sure your prayer life is on point and check it when you find yourself struggling. Have you spent time with God today? When we anchor ourselves in something greater than ourselves, we tend not to sweat the small stuff. 

It is easy to lose sight of why we were put on this Earth. As Christians, I believe it’s to a) get to Heaven and b) help other souls get to Heaven. 

I believe that if I had looked at my time in post-secondary education differently, I would have had a better experience. I want to encourage you, our young readers, to do some self-examination. 

If you’re in college or university, look at your degree, or if you’re still in high school, look at your courses and community. Look at your part-time jobs, look at the social groups you’re involved with, look at your professors and teachers and peers. 

How will they help you obtain Heaven? In return, how will you help them obtain Heaven? How can you be Christ to those around you right now? How will studying for finals or through summer sessions bring you closer to eternal life? Get creative with it, because answers are there! 

“Set your mind on things above! Not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

(Lafantaisie, 23, is a freelance photographer in Winnipeg, Man.)