Name: Bretlyn Efird
Age: 20
Hometown: Shepherd, TX
High School: Porter High School
One Interesting fact about me: I have a number of passions in my life from theatre to cake decorating to singing. However the one I find very fulfilling is my passion of American Sign Language. I love being able to speak with someone who otherwise has no ability to communicate with the everyday person.
Why did you sign-up for Compass? I honestly would be foolish to think that I choose this Gap Year for myself. I have been out of school for a while and have been wrestling with the questions of, Lord, where do you want me in this world? What is my purpose? What is my career? I believe Compass will help me answer those questions. Also, this past summer, I had the opportunity to experience what it was like to minister to young ladies as a camp counselor at Camp Cho-Yeh. Through that experience I discovered my love of spreading the gospel with young women who may never have heard the gospel otherwise. Cultivating that passion is another reason why I signed up for Compass.
This time next year what do you want to say about your Gap Year Experience?I would love to be able to say that my Gap Year not only made me a more ‘well-rounded person’ but that it also helped me gain understanding and guidance to pursue the vocation of being a youth pastor or even a school teacher. I also want to see my love for God and others grow and my own self-interests decrease.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about taking a Gap Year?Start by praying about it. Seek counsel. If everyone is saying this would be an opportunity to grow in God, to grow as an individual, and to grow with others, you should listen and take the plunge. Above all, be open to letting the Lord transform you through new experiences and through people. It may not be easy but it will be worth it.
