The End of the Beginning

As my first year of college rapidly approaches its end, I have done some reflecting on the year as a whole. It has been a time of exciting, sometimes anxious beginnings.

Living away from home and some of my closest family members and friends for an extended period of time has been a major change in my life. I've had to learn to manage the freedom of college, liberating for some and ensnaring for others.

Sorting through new friendships has been confusing at times but, in the words of a friend, most people recognized it as, "the beginning of a beautiful thing". Friendships formed quickly through random adventures or activities. One such activity happened early in the year on a rainy day. A bunch of us freshmen joined in the quad to play in the rain, which eventually turned into a giant mud fight. Another time a few friends and I decided to jump off the 30 foot tower at Union Springs. It was our first time there and when we were on top of the tower we saw lights stop through the woods. We knew the activity was illegal so we quickly jumped off the tower before the cops could ruin our fun. It turned out it was a four-wheeler stuck in the woods and we never got in trouble, but it certainly was a rush.

I have definitely enjoyed the small school atmosphere. I felt like I could easily get to know a wide variety of people, including my professors. I value the close relationships that I have formed with my professors here, something I wouldn't expect to get at a large state school. There is a natural accountability when you know your teachers and their expectations. Schoolwork itself has been challenging but manageable and my grades have actually risen in college due to increased motivation! For the first time in my life school isn't required. I am here because I have chosen to be, and have made an investment to do so.

College has provided me with some unique opportunities. During the first semester I became involved in the YPCA's Saturday Adoption program, a ministry for children in the Harrisonburg community. The experience was very stretching but a great learning experience. It was really rewarding to hang out with and get to know some of the kids from the area. I am also a member of the men's volleyball team, which has been a major commitment. The team has been a great way to form tight relationships with eleven other awesome guys while providing some consistency and routine in my life. Our team went to Florida over spring break to play in a tournament at the University of Central Florida. We had some time off and had a great time hanging out at the beach, Universal Studios, and Downtown Disney. We ended up winning the tournament, one of the highlights of our year as a team.

As the volleyball season ends and the weather gets nicer I hope to do some exploring of the Shenandoah Valley. I love the outdoors and EMU's location is one of the many things I really like about it. I hope to take some backpacking trips and frolic in the mountains. I have had a great year at EMU so far and expect it will only get better. I have met a lot of great kids and was privileged to have an amazing roommate. I completely agree with my friend, that this year has truly been, "the beginning of a beautiful thing."