Journey of a Hokie

As my first year in college is coming to an end, I am beginning to realize now that this entire year felt like it lasted a lifetime. I went through the stages of uprooting from home and moving into college dorm life, starting new friendships from the ground up, joining group organizations, attending classes with 500+ students, and all during that process tried to figure out what God wants me to do with my life. Although I probably won't know exactly what career path I will choose until maybe my sophomore or junior year, it's still a good idea to plan ahead and ask God what He wants me to do with the rest of my life.

One amazing thing that God has shown me this past semester is the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM). Even though I'm a Lutheran, I fell in love with BCM! They have such a great knit community and a solid foundation upon which they teach God's word. BCM is like one great big family, everyone is so open and welcoming to newcomers and they build friendships that will last. Their praise and worship team is also really amazing, and I don't just mean that they have a fancy stage with great musicians and vocalists, but they have such a passion for Christ and leading others in a time of worship. They truly have inspired me to want to work better at being a leader in worship. It isn't all about the instruments or the stage or the choice in songs, but rather a time where we can gather together as a church and glorify God's holy name. After only being a part of BCM for a little over a month, it breaks my heart to know that it is almost the end of the semester and BCM services and group studies won't start up again until the fall semester. If I'll miss anything the most while I'm away for the summer, it will most likely be BCM, and my YL Bible study.

I have never had a more caring and open group of friends who cared to share their thoughts and beliefs at a bible study before. They are my best friends here at Tech and I am so thankful that I've met them and have gotten to know each of them.

BCM and my YL Bible Study are only two of the many things that I will miss most over the summer. There's also everyone from YL Leadership Training and even the sophomores who are already leaders. They are some of the funniest and craziest people I know who deeply love the Lord our God. I'll never forget what an epic year I had with them and hope to continue seeing them these next three years at Tech.

It's crazy to think next semester, I am going to be a sophomore in college. Time flies faster than you think. I thank God for such an amazing year!