Wisdom From Our Seniors

Many of you either know students in your community, or it’s your own kids who are graduating and heading to college for the first time! If you are looking for ways to support and encourage them as graduation gets nearer… I can’t promise you that they will hear anything you say to them. However, speaking as the girl who was nervously asking her older brother for advice right before she left, desperately calling her mom with a new saga every week, and was missing family way more than she anticipated; eventually they start to realize they don’t have it as figured out as they thought. In order to help navigate the always changing college experience, I thought it might be helpful to put together a couple tips from some of our own UC graduating seniors. 

1. Go to church! It is okay if it takes time to connect and find your place within your new church family.

2. Get involved as soon as possible. Say yes to the retreats, mission trips, and intramurals- step outside your comfort zone and take a chance on an opportunity to make friends!

3. Never underestimate how much your community and the people you surround yourself with will affect your life. College is super fun, but can also be hard and test your faith in new ways and you will need a community to help hold you up.

4. Your schedule will fill up faster than you expect. It is easy for your relationship with God to take a backseat in the busyness if you don’t set aside intentional time.

5. Don’t compare your college journey to others. Social media will have you convinced that everyone else has college figured out (Spoiler: They don’t). Forming deep connections and lasting friendships takes intentional effort and it is okay if it takes you longer to settle in. It is never too late to find community!

College is exciting and fun, but it can also be lonely and scary at times. If you know a student, say a prayer, send a text, or give them a call. They may be needing it!

-Mia Pennington

Women's Minister