I first encountered the Lord in a profound and personal way in high school in the Eucharist. I knew He was wanting a personal relationship with me. Then in late high school, Fr. Tom Vordtriede was the associate pastor and he invited me to think about being a priest because he saw my prayer life deepening. I juggled my desires for many year through college then realized at the end of college that I wanted to give seminary a shot. College was pivotal in meeting good priests, deepening my relationship with Our Blessed Mother, and learning what it is like to have a joyful life of faith as an adult. When it came to the end of my senior year, my life was working out at the time. I had good friends, a holy girlfriend, a good job lined up, and a life ready in St. Louis. I just knew this wasn't God's plan. There was something still missing in my heart, and I knew the Lord wanted me to take the next step in my discernment. Then my girlfriend and I broke up and I decided to enter seminary. I took a little longer to discern, but my friends, mentors, and the Eucharist were always there. Jesus continues to be my support and I pray He always will be.