Yesterday, we released a piece to encourage college students who are heading into a new school year. We’re following up today to highlight some previously written articles that can get you through this first semester. We encourage you to bookmark this page!
For August and September
Back to Campus: Faith as a Festival, by Izzy Koo
Izzy encourages us to anticipate all that God will do during the course of our university days. Over and above all of the amazing blessings of friends, favorite foods, and idyllic campus hideaways, Izzy reminds us of God’s presence on her campus, and how we are blessed to look forward to all He will continue to do.
“Going into this next year, I’ve been feeling all the emotions. I spent the past year studying abroad in Germany, and so this will be my first time seeing some of my college friends since my first year. I’ve felt the jitters of excitement coursing through my veins at the thought of running into their arms and exchanging our stories. I’ve felt the adrenaline rush at the idea of going to the beach again here in Malibu, having monthly boba runs with my girlfriends, having coffee with my favorite professors, and jumping up and down at our all-school worship nights. I’ve felt the stirring in my spirit, knowing that I am about to re-enter a place where Jesus dwells so powerfully, a place prayed over by current and past generations, and a place where Jesus changes lives just like He changed mine.
At the same time, I feel the nervous anticipation of returning. Am I committed to too much this year? How am I going to juggle a full load of classes, club positions, and my part-time work? Will I be received warmly after coming back from abroad? Will friend groups be different, and how will they be different? Is Jesus still abundantly present here? What has changed over this past year and what is in store?”
You can hear more from Izzy from one of our interviews with her here.
The A’s I Need in College, by Christine Song
Transitioning from high school to college is a big change, especially in the area of faith as many find themselves in a different and unfamiliar environment. What does growing in faith look like in this phase of life? Written as part of our inaugural Young Writers Cohort, Christine Song shares about her expectations versus the reality about her faith life in college and what she has learned.
“There is no better time to appreciate the joy of accountability than university life, where the opportunity to connect with different people abounds. Since entering college, the friendships and relationships that I built, especially those rooted in a common faith in Christ Jesus, have taught me the necessity of community. God did not intend for me to run this race alone, and I deeply felt the reality of this part of His perfect design in just the past few semesters.
I initially joined a women’s small group in my college ministry to simply meet more people. What had started with my spontaneous and rather selfish decision, God soon used to draw me closer to Him. In our small group meetings, we studied the attributes of God, memorized and recited Scripture, and prayed for one another. I could do all these things alone—learn about God, read His Word, go to Him in prayer—and I indeed value my private quiet time.”
Letters: To Christians On College Campuses Today, by Ben Chow
Do you feel shy about being open about your faith because you fear the rejection of others? How do you reconcile everything you’re learning about and different ideas you’re being exposed to for the first time? A member of the first Young Writers Cohort, Ben Chow discusses these questions and more in his article.
“When you encounter the storm of different beliefs on campus, where do you turn? There may be a temptation to separate out from campus life, to spend all your time with other Christians. While there’s nothing wrong with this inherently, I don’t think we should isolate ourselves from our larger communities.
There’s a better way to navigate college, and it starts with a change of heart. Learning to love the places we live, work, and play is something Christians of our generation need to embrace. For Christians at college campuses today, learning to love our schools is a good place to start.”
How Free Can We Be In College?, by Young W. Yi
Being away from home for the first time can feel like you’re finally “free” from restrictions. College life today offers many activities, some of which would be unwise to participate in. So how should we think about our freedom? Young W. Yi offers some pastoral words of wisdom.
“On my first night out with friends during my freshman year in college, I came back to my dorm at 3 a.m. I remember thinking, “Wait a second, my parents aren’t here to yell at me about coming home so late! If this is what the next four years will look like, then this is going to be great.” A rush of what felt like true freedom from my parents got me even more excited about being in college.
Many college students get a taste of this kind of freedom, especially if they are living away from home. They can attempt new hobbies, join new friend groups, and try out other, let’s say, recreational activities.
But is that all that freedom is? Not being under any authority and getting to do whatever we want? Does it mean that we have a complete license for our actions without fear of penalty?”
For October and November
Homesick College Student, the Lord Sees You, by Ashley Kim
Even in your homesickness, God can minister to you by reminding you of his graciousness. Editorial Intern and fellow college student, Ashley Kim, writes a delightful piece to encourage the homesick college student.
“Before leaving for college, the one feeling I didn’t expect was homesickness. But as I sat alone in my single dorm room on my first night on campus, listening to the noise of nocturnal college students, I longed for something familiar. I longed for my family to be within shouting distance, for my day to end with a verbal “good night,” for the comfort of knowing the floor plan of my house like the back of my hand. I longed for home.
In the days following, I began to process the heartache of leaving home behind. I had thought, presumptuously, that the tears evoked by last goodbyes constituted a one-and-done display of shock, a kind of quarter-life crisis that hit for a single moment and then faded into a muted, manageable memory. Not so for me. The pain of separation and loss lingered, smarting like a reopened wound whenever I was reminded of home. It was―and is―a grieving process.”
Finding Warmth in God During the Chill of Fall, by Hannah Wang
This piece from Hannah Wang is a perfect accompaniment to a mug of hot coffee or tea on a chilly autumn day. Our physical ailments can sometimes lead us back to God and remind us of the basics in pursuing HIm.
“During those five days, it was not surprising that I felt like there was silence between me and God. One of the main ways God speaks to us is through our reading and connection to His Word. In weeks like that one, where I felt exhausted and overwhelmed, turning to the Word in the mornings was refreshing and life-giving. Reading and praying through the book of Psalms has never failed to give me the rest and peace to take with me throughout the day.
Make it your priority to cultivate space and time with the Lord. Sometimes it can be hard to hold yourself accountable for dedicating time to the Lord. In that case, I recommend practicing with other people, mutually holding each other accountable. Practicing the Sabbath and doing my daily devotionals alongside my brothers and sisters has been immensely helpful and encouraging in building my spiritual discipline.”
Header Photo Credit: Ken Theimer