In high school when my friends asked where I was going to college, and I said “Missouri State,” they gave me the most dazed look. Somehow, stopping a field hockey ball from going into a steel net earned me some money to get here. I felt like I blindly stuck a push-pin into a United States map and said, “Okay, this is where I will spend the next four years!” But somehow, this hasty move proved to be only an inch on the unending rope of God’s plan for me (I am stealing Francis Chan’s metaphor).

Missouri State, or as the local Ozarkians say “Missourah State,” nestled into a sacred place in my heart. It was here where I first held a 400mm f/2.8 lens, then cringed at people’s comments: “That lens is bigger than you are, little girl!” or “Can you see the moon with that?” I shot hundreds of games while goofing off on the sidelines with my friends, devoured cold, congealed Imo’s cheese pizza in JQH’s media workroom, and flew off the hardwood after a Creighton basketball player plowed into me. My camera wears the marks of all of these experiences, whether it be scuffs, scratches, sweat, rain, baseball field dirt, Life in Color paint, PBR filth, Color Me Rad powder and a hint of Wiz Khalifa concert marijuana stench. I met and photographed some incredible people and was hired at unforgettable internships. And this is only a start in photojournalism.

But the most gut-wrenching part of driving five states east along interstate 70 is staring at the useless junk piled up in my car every few seconds when I look out the back window. All the work experiences now typed on my résumé, the magna cum laude and the many shared awards with The Standard staff can’t rival the friendships that have carried me along the way. Of all the things I am bringing home with me, I wish it were my two best friends: Karly Buer and Jess Roberts.

I first introduced myself to Karly at Campus Crusade my sophomore year, although I was incredibly intimidated by her bulging traps and biceps. I told her I had a ton of photos of her (from basketball, of course), and then I caught myself sounding creepy. “Dang, that was weird. I hope she will still want to be friends with me!” I thought. Nevertheless, my life has never been the same since that awkward beginning.

The same goes for Jess when I was profoundly shaken by her testimony one night after FCA. With my jaw dropped by her mature wisdom and powerful faith, I sheepishly asked her if we could hang out sometime. This is the exact friend I want to surround myself with, and the type of person I aim to be.

Even though I mustered up the courage to approach them, it was God’s precise timing that placed them into my life when I needed them the most. My only goal with school was to be 40-something down the road and say to my future kids, “This is my friend from college!” I so deeply wanted a friendship that could withstand any increment of time that I repetitively prayed for it for three years. Though I try to avoid confrontational conversation especially with messy personal details, at the same time I deeply wanted someone to invest in me spiritually and keep me accountable. And for me to have to opportunity reciprocate that same love.

God has answered my prayer. They have rejoiced in my successes, offered their shoulder to cry on during my struggles and listened as my sounding board through several life-altering decisions. I was just a baby in my faith as they held my clammy hand, stretching over every seemingly difficult step.

And this sort of relationship is the only thing on Earth that I can keep forever and take to Heaven. Not a diploma or résumé or any other scrap of paper.

But the wild ride isn’t over. I will be married in three weeks, moving to Michigan and starting my photojournalism career. I won’t be back in the fall, but I know my friendships will never end. They hold too much weight for me not to call or visit them wherever we all may end up.

Thank you Karly and Jess for being my sisters. Goodbye Missouri. Thank you for shaping me into a professional and giving me an unforgettable start to my adult life. God is so good.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

Steph Anderson | MSU Photographic Services

Missouri State assistant coach Paul Evans and graduate manager Robbie Robinson pretend to box before playing Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State assistant coach Paul Evans talks with his team before playing Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State’s Eric Cheray and Keenan Maddox pray before playing Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State’s Spencer Johnson screams a pre-game chant before playing Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Wright State’s Beau Phillips catches a pop-fly ball against Missouri State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State’s Spencer Johnson catches a fly ball against Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Wright State’s Sam Picchiotti dives for a ground ball against Missouri State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Wright State’s Justin Kopale turns a double play over Missouri State’s Conor Smith on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

The home plate umpire walks away from Wright State head coach Rob Cooper on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Wright State’s Sam Picchiotti misses the ball as Missouri State’s Koby Peebles slides safely into second base on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Wright State’s John Brodner fields a ground ball against Missouri State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State’s Keenen Maddox high-fives his teammates after scoring against Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State’s Travis McComack fields a ball as Wright State’s Beau Phillips runs to third base on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State’s Diamond Girls lead the 7th inning stretch during the game between Missouri State and Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Wright State’s Sam Picchiotti can’t tag out Missouri State’s Keenen Maddox as he slides safely into second base on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Jon Hediger asks Missouri State head coach Keith Guttin’s daughter Lauren Guttin to marry him during the game between Missouri State and Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Fans cheer for their friend who caught a foul ball during the game between Missouri State and Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State’s Eric Cheray loses the ball as Wright State’s John Brodner tags second base on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field. MSU won 3-1.

Missouri State high-fives each other after their 3-1 win against Wright State on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Hammons Field.

Steph Anderson | The Standard and MSU Photographic Services

Missouri State’s Spencer Johnson cheers in a huddle before the game against Wichita State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Missouri State head coach Keith Guttin discusses with Wichita State’s head coach Gene Stephenson and umpires where foul territory boundaries are on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Missouri State’s Keenen Maddox warms up before the game against Wichita State on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-0.

Missouri State listens to the national anthem before the game against Wichita State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Missouri State’s Travis McComack dives for a ground ball against Wichita State on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-0.

Wichita State’s Erik Harbutz catches a pop fly ball against Missouri State on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-0.

Wichita State’s Taylor Doggett reacts after sliding safely to third base against Missouri State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Missouri State’s Eric Cheray is greeted by Keenen Maddox at home plate after Cheray hit a home run against Wichita State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Missouri State’s Tate Matheny throws to the infield against Wichita State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Wichita State’s Casey Gillaspie warms up against Missouri State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Missouri State’s Eric Cheray tags Wichita State’s Mikel Mucha as he turns for a double play on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-0.

Wichita State’s Tyler Baker throws to first base against Missouri State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Missouri State’s Eric Cheray slides safely to third base under Wichita State’s Tyler Baker on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Wichita State’s Tyler Baker reacts after being hit by a pitch against Missouri State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

A fan attempts to grab a foul ball during the game between Missouri State and Wichita State on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-0.

Wichita State’s Tanner Dearman dives for a ground ball against Missouri State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Wichita State’s Garrett Brummett is welcomed by his teammates after he finished pitching against Missouri State on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-0.

Wichita State’s Micah Green, center, and Casey Gillaspie react after scoring runs against Missouri State on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-0.

Wichita State’s TJ McGreevy reacts after his team scored against Missouri State on Sunday, May 4, 2013, at Hammons Field. MSU lost 3-2.

Ali Trickey is announced prior to the game against Wichita State on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State’s Caitlin Chaplin slides safely into second base as Wichita State’s Layne Greenlee tags her face on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State’s Kerri Cunningham fields a pop fly ball against Wichita State on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter tags out Wichita State’s Kacie Eich at second base on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State dugout cheers for their batters against Wichita State on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter bobbles a ground ball against Wichita State on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State’s Ashley Brentz reacts after scoring a run against Wichita State on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State’s dugout shield their eyes from the sun as they play against Wichita State on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU won 5-3 during the breast cancer awareness game.

Missouri State women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper talks with Walter Holt at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Fans listen to the new women’s basketball coach at the meet and greet on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Missouri State women’s basketball assistant coach Jennifer Sullivan laughs at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Fans listen to the new women’s basketball coach at the meet and greet on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Missouri State women’s basketball assistant coach Jon Harper walks up to the podium as fellow assistant coaches Jackie Stiles (center) and Jennifer Sullivan laugh at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

Missouri State women’s basketball assistant coach Jackie Stiles talks with fans at the meet and greet for the new coaching staff on Friday, April 26, at the Prime Overtime Club in JQH Arena.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt speaks at Missouri State’s 14th annual agricultural forum on Friday, April 26 at the Bond Learning Center. Blunt is the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. He has spoken at every MSU agricultural forum but the first.

Missouri State University President Clif Smart listens the MSU agricultural forum on Friday, April 26 at the Bond Learning Center.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt speaks at Missouri State’s 14th annual agricultural forum on Friday, April 26 at the Bond Learning Center. Blunt is the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. He has spoken at every MSU agricultural forum but the first.

A community member asks a question to U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt at Missouri State’s 14th annual agricultural forum on Friday, April 26 at the Bond Learning Center. Blunt is the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. He has spoken at every MSU agricultural forum but the first.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt shakes hands with community members at Missouri State’s 14th annual agricultural forum on Friday, April 26 at the Bond Learning Center. Blunt is the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. He has spoken at every MSU agricultural forum but the first.

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter dances with Stevie Pierce (10) while the team is announced prior to the game against Creighton on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter pumps up her team prior to the game against Creighton on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Creighton’s Erin McGonigal pumps up her team prior to the game against Missouri State on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Creighton’s Amy Baker beats Missouri State’s Ashley Brentz to a first base tag on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Missouri State’s Chelsea Jones pitches against Creighton on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Missouri State’s Suzanne Allen beats Creighton’s Ashley Frutos to second base on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Creighton’s Liz Dike dives for a ground ball against Missouri State on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Creighton’s Ellen Homan catches a pop fly against Missouri State on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Creighton’s Blair Lowe beats Missouri State’s Stacia Boeckstiegel to home plate on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Creighton’s dugout welcomes Blair Lowe after she scored at home plate on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Killian Field. MSU lost 3-1.

Missouri State alumnus Alex Riggs makes a save against current player James Thomas on Saturday, April 27, 2013, during the men’s soccer annual alumni game at Plaster Sports Complex.

Missouri State’s Andrew Turner heads the ball against alumnus Kellington Boddie on Saturday, April 27, 2013, during the men’s soccer annual alumni game at Plaster Sports Complex.

Missouri State’s Andrew Turner heads the ball against alumnus Ben Griffiths on Saturday, April 27, 2013, during the men’s soccer annual alumni game at Plaster Sports Complex.

Missouri State alumnus Nick Dryden celebrates a goal with Ryan Hennessy on Saturday, April 27, 2013, during the men’s soccer annual alumni game at Plaster Sports Complex.

Missouri State alumni introduce themselves to current players on Saturday, April 27, 2013, after the men’s soccer annual alumni game at Plaster Sports Complex.

My camera is still speckled pink, but the assignment was worth braving the rain and color bombs for an hour.
Steph Anderson | The Standard

Steph Anderson | The Standard

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter is announced prior to the game against Evansville on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter pumps up her team prior to the game against Evansville on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Missouri State assistant coach Beth Perine talks to her players as they cheer against Evansville on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Missouri State’s Caitlin Chapin fields a ball against Evansville on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Missouri State’s Stevie Pierce tags out Evansville’s Kacey Rogers on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Evansville’s Tamara Robey dives for a catch against Missouri State on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Missouri State’s Lauren Eisenreich catches a fly ball against Evansville on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter swings for a ball against Evansville on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Missouri State’s Kirstin Cutter can’t make an out at second base against Evansville’s Victoria Dellorto on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.

Evansville’s Tamara Robey is congratulated by her teammates after making a diving catch against Missouri State on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Killian Field. MSU lost 6-3.