By Nicholas Zampiello, Class of 2026
During the Welcome Retreat in September, our Director Kathryn, mentioned a phrase that would stick with me to this day.
“Remember, the pressure is off.”
I laughed at first. It felt wrong to accept this phrase. I had just come off putting in my two weeks at my corporate finance job after two long grueling years. Now I'm 25, living in a new city once again, and considering becoming a teacher (I think). In summary, life has recently been full of “What are you doing?” questions from everyone. How can the pressure really be off?
It’s not easy to live in this truth. It takes pausing and soaking in this invitation from Jesus:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Growing up in this achievement-based society, let alone in the DC area, the word “grace” can still feel like a foreign concept. I wake up every morning and am met with more questions: “What is next after…?”, “When are you going to…?”, “Have you talked to…?”. “Are you going to become a teacher?” My gut reaction is to panic. I need to give an answer. Now. But then I remember Jesus’ invitation and reply, “Great question, I’m not sure, but I am certainly learning a lot right now!”
I’ve learned to love this response while in Fellows. I may not know what is next, but God is definitely teaching me so much right now. In the midst of the pressures of life, Jesus simply invites all us to come to Him with our burdens, take His yoke, learn from Him. We don’t have to try harder but instead rest in His grace and sit at His feet. He reminds me I do not need to have it all figured out. He has me - and He knows what is to come. From this rest, I find the courage to take the next step in faith.
So in light of my everyday struggles, the reality is, the pressure is truly off. Yes, at times the pressure may loom as I process more questions on this journey of Fellows (and of life). But when I zoom out, trusting Jesus has led me to the greatest internship I could have picked (substitute teacher at Charlotte Christian), with the most loving host family I could ask for, and the perfect group of community to process the pressures of life with. What a God we serve!