College life

It is so strange for me...not to be on a university campus today. I miss being a part of the excitement of the first part of college life-especially in the eyes of a freshmen. Move-in, welcome week, opening chapel, first meetings, first day of classes, just the exciting buzz around campus and the constant community that was being created. I always loved this time of year, and it just doesn't feel right to not be a part of it again in some capacity. Maybe I should look at what I don't miss: homework, 20 page papers, all nighters, and a major lack of sleep ;) Though I have to admit that I am somewhat of a nerd-I did enjoy part of that-at least the constant learning part. That is always exciting! Then again, I don't really have to pay gazillions (or so it seems!) of dollars to learn it all anymore!

The years of college are some of the most formative times of our lives, I believe. I think that is why I loved being involved with freshmen so much-it is such a new and growing time-on your own for the first time, so many new freedoms and discovering who you really are, your dreams, goals, and gifts...making good choices and making mistakes (and learning from both!), learning how to live in community-forming best friends for life while also learning how to get along with people you may not particularly like, learning how to spread your wings and find your place in this world. It is just a whole new world of excitement, opportunities, success and failures, freedom and making choices that will lay the groundwork for the rest of your life. I loved being able to be a small part in that process; as I watched them grow and mature, sometimes learning the hard way and sometimes finding their way. It was a true blessing to be involved in their lives, and still have relationships with many of them-as I watch them continue to grow and spread their wings even more.

For all of you starting school or college this week, hope you have a wonderful year and grow in your knowledge and wisdom (while having a blast!) ;)

What are your favorite memories of being a freshman or from college? Please share! :)