Created to Explore by Brayden

Created to Explore by Brayden - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

“For in Him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He himself is before all things, and in Him all things hold together,” Colossians 1:16-17. When I was a kid, my sister and I would try to find as many worms as we could after it rained. We would spend hours searching and digging through the dirt trying to see who could find the most. That is when I started gaining more interest in nature. As I got older, I became interested in photography and eventually bought a camera. I love being outdoors, hiking with my camera, searching for animals to take pictures of.

A couple of years ago, I went on a trip with my family to Yosemite National Park. I had the privilege of standing before the great Sequoia trees and walking up the Mist Trail. Seeing the giant, ancient Sequoias, it reminded me of how little I am in this massive world of God’s creation. It showed me that God cares so much about us, even His most tiniest creations. The Mist Trail was also one of my favorite hikes to do. Being able to hike up the side of a cliff, trying not to slip on the wet rocks all while feeling the mist and hearing the roar of a giant waterfall right next to you was a really special experience. This hike also brought to life the scene in The Hobbit movie when they were climbing on the side of a mountain to reach their destination. All that hiking and climbing was eventually rewarded with an insane view of the waterfall below us, and the forest and mountains in front. Another place I had the opportunity to visit was the Grand Canyon. I remember stepping out of the van and almost being blown over because the wind was so strong. It even almost blew the car door off when my dad opened it. There were so many squirrels there from what I can remember. They were not afraid of people and would come up to you, probably begging for you to give them food. Then there was the Grand Canyon itself. Looking out over it, I thought to myself how such a big hole can even exist. I then remembered that this is God’s world and that he can create anything no matter how big or small.

I attended a preview event at CCU last fall and at the time, did not really know what I wanted to study in college. After sitting in an Outdoor Leadership class and learning about it more, I am really excited to be attending Colorado Christian University in the fall of 2025 to learn more about the outdoors and work toward my degree in Outdoor Leadership. I can’t wait to be apart of the hands-on classes like backpacking, rescue training, getting my wilderness first responder certification, and maybe even snowshoeing. I’m not quite sure what I will do with my degree, but I have been thinking about becoming a Texas Game Warden so I can use my degree to keep the outdoors safe for people and the animals. The Lord, however, may have something else in store for me instead of being a Game Warden. Wherever He takes me, I will follow Him. At the end of the day though, it's not about having fun with your friends while hiking or skiing down the side of a mountain, it’s all for the glory of God. We are here to take care of God’s creation and to make sure that it thrives so that others can experience His work as well. That is why God made man, to watch over the animals and take care of nature to glorify Him. This is why I want to study Outdoor Leadership. I want to be apart of God’s plan. This scholarship would allow me to receive the education I need to help protect the outdoors and also share my passion for God’s creation with others.

Whether it's becoming a Game Warden, joining search and rescue, or maybe even becoming an animal photographer, I know that God knows where I am supposed to be. He has a plan for me even if I can’t see it yet. The outdoors is where I feel relaxed, where I learn, where I spend time with God, and where I make the best memories. With the help of this scholarship, I can make more memories and learn the skills to be able to protect the Lord’s creation.