My name is Kandice Craddock, and I am a senior at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. I am the daughter of Dan Craddock, Jr., and I probably haven’t seen most of my Craddock family since I was twelve years old, when I went to the family reunion in Oklahoma. However, I have a strong sense of family ties, and I really like being connected to our heritage. When my father brought me to Lynchburg for Liberty’s freshman orientation in May 2007, it was the first time I had seen my last name anywhere other than my school papers and personal documents. It was on the side of buildings, “Craddock-Terry Hotel”, “Craddock-Terry Museum,” and on street signs, “Craddock Street.” I was so excited and immediately felt connected to this town. Apparently, the Craddocks from Lynchburg are known for their abundant wealth (of which I have not experienced, being a college student, obviously), and so when people hear my last name is Craddock, they always ask if I’m related. I don’t truly know, so I just smile and say, “I’m sure, somewhere down the line.”

I am graduating in May with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications, specializing in Broadcasting (Video Production). I have learned all kinds of things about TV news, radio and television announcing, motion picture production, and so much more. I’m currently doing an internship for Hello Studios, and it has been cool to see commercials and other videos being produced first-hand. Unfortunately, I realized a little too late, like last year, that I really don’t love broadcasting. I don’t hate it, and I am pretty good at it, but I don’t love it. I don’t feel anything significant when I’m operating a video camera or reading a script for news. Don’t get me wrong, all that is fun, but I don’t think I would be happy doing it every day of my life. I am still not completely sure what field fits my gifts and talents, but I think my skills and experiences afford me a couple different possible avenues.  Immediately after graduation, I’ll be working for a summer camp called Student Life. I’m currently signed up to start my Master’s program with Liberty in the fall, but if God provides a great job opportunity, I will head that direction.

I must say, college has been an extremely important time in my life. Honestly, being a college student has been an absolute BLAST. I’ve met so many different people, and my relationships have become defined by more than simply who sits next to me in the cafeteria. I seriously think that being in college is like having a small glimpse, a tangible sample, of the world. You’re surrounded by people from all walks of life, but you’re all in the same boat, just trying to figure out life and where yours fits into this world. It’s fantastic!

After four short years of self-discovery, here’s who I am today in a nutshell: I’m a blogger. It’s just like a journal except it takes less time, I’m not afraid for someone to see it, and I can attach photos, videos, and other creative material. I’m also a traveler. I jump at the chance to experience some place new, and if I had the money, I’d travel all over the world meeting new people and learning new things. I’m a people-lover. I always want to know people’s stories. I’m a thinker and learner. I like following my trails of thoughts down to deeper things, and I love having a community of friends who like to think and learn, too. It produces many good conversations that are good for the soul.

I assume, and thoroughly hope, that I will be a different person after the next four years fly by. I don’t ever want to stop learning and growing. In the semi-near future, I hope to be engaged to Stephen. We have already talked a lot about our futures together, and I really believe that God has chosen us for each other, to do life together as a team. We hope to be married within the next couple of years, and have kids a couple years after that. Who knows if that’s how God will allow things to play out – He seldom goes by OUR life plans.

I am anxious for the future, but conscious that my present actions play a big role in that. I will be the first one in my immediate family to graduate from college, and that is not something I take lightly. I am thankful for Liberty University and the time I’ve spent here. It’ll be interesting to see how my life plays out and where I actually end up in five, ten, fifteen years. But for right now, I’m just trying to make it to May 14th, 2011!

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Kandice is an impressive young lady that represents herself and her family well. I’m sure her parents are very proud.  Not only is she graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications she is also a very talented writer. If you would like to hear more from Kandice, read her blog at http://kontemplative.blogspot.com/.