For the past four years, I've had the joy of attending an excellent Christian college. Even if you don't go to Trinity, I'm sure you can relate to some of these things!

1. You've run into Dr. Dockery multiple times and he knows you by name.

Dr. Dockery, our college president, is a gentle, kindly man who takes the time to get to know our student population. He's pretty cool!

2. You've stood in line at Fresh for 20+ minutes just to get a calzone on Calzone Night.

They're just so good, man.

3. More fun than actual studying happens at Late Night Waybright.

And you always make sure you're fifteen minutes early so you can grab the free Chick-fil-a on Tuesday night of finals week.

4. Open hours are your favorite part of the week (or least favorite, depending on your preferences).

Having boys (or girls) over in the dorms every weekend has been one of my favorite ways to get to know my guy friends and it's where some serious bonding happens.

5. You always grab as much free food as possible at events.

Especially if there's free Chick-fil-a.

6. You've had Dr. Massouh, Dr. Fratt, or Dr. Moulder at least once.

These guys are literally some of the smartest guys on the planet; they have so much wisdom to offer.

7. Half your T-shirts say TIU, Trinity, or Trojans on them.

I went through my drawer before leaving for camp and I will shamelessly admit to having nearly thirty Trinity shirts in my possession. Most of them were free, too!

8. You've cheered on our football team even in freezing weather.

Somehow, the homecoming game is always on a cold or super windy day. It doesn't make it any less fun, however. Cheering on the Trojan football guys and stuffing myself with hot dogs has been one of the highlights of my Trinity experience.

9. You've gone to basketball games dressed in all white and laughed at the football guys dressed in ridiculous costumes.

You know, the ones who wear the mouse costumes. (Shoutout to you guys, by the way. Keep it up.)

10. You've scrambled to get all your chapel credits by the end of the semester.

You always tell yourself, "This semester will be different" and then, before you know it, it's December and you still have six credits left.

11. You've had (and loved) Jose's omelets in Hawkins Dining Hall.

Honestly, he's the best breakfast food maker I've ever met. His omelets are something special.

12. You've been involved in student leadership at least one way.

I've been in EKL, Yearbook, and MCAB over the past couple of years. Student leadership at Trinity has grown me into a better person and leader! Even if you don't hold an official leadership position, you've probably helped out by hosting prospective students or assisted at the 360 Leadership Conference in April.

13. You've lived in Johnson (or Carlson) at least once.

These halls have a lot of character. I have cherished my memories of living in Johnson Hall from 2012-2016 and I hope the incoming freshmen enjoy their year in the hall! (My condolences if you haven't experienced the magic that is Johnson Hall. It is a truly wonderful place to live.)

14. Trinity Hall is the "nice one."

It kind of looks like a hotel, and I honestly swore I would never live in it because it wasn't "dormy" enough, and yet I am moving into T-Hall, 2nd floor, on August 15 of this upcoming school year.

15. You've ducked water balloons careening out of Carlson's 3rd-floor window.

I will always remember the time I was pelted with several water balloons full of water and flour as I was walking back from Late Night Waybright.

16. You've had Bible studies in your dorm with a completely random bunch of people.

Or you've encountered a bunch of people hanging out and somehow, you all end up praying. It's been super awesome to grow spiritually in that way!

17. You've met the garbage can squirrel living on the east side of Johnson Hall.

That thing is an evil, vicious creature and has somehow survived multiple freezing winters and blistering summers. I think he gets a thrill out of scaring girls walking out of that side of Johnson.

18. You've forgotten your keys at least once and had to wait outside the hall for someone to let you in.

Okay, I'm only including this one because I do it at least five times a semester and somehow, each time, I don't have my phone on me.

19. You always complain about how far away the gym and sports field are, but then you visit your friends at a state school and realize how small Trinity actually is.

Okay, maybe a nine-minute-walk to the football field isn't so bad after all.

20. You've run into at least one guy skateboarding, scootering, or longboarding.

I can't begin to count a number of times I've narrowly dodged a skinned knee or falling over backward. Word to the wise: watch where you're going, kids.

21. You're actually friends with a hundred people.

Somehow, someway, you become super close to a lot of people. It happens in front of the fireplace at Waybright, or huddling together on the soccer field in October, or late nights spent snickering at YouTube videos in your dorm room. The bonds of friendship are knit in those random moments!

22. You've joked about ring by spring/the Mrs. Degree/dating/singleness a million times and then it actually happens.

And you know someone on your floor who's engaged or is about to be engaged. Trinity seems to be fertile ground for relationships! (Okay, it hasn't happened to me yet...but I'm cool with it. Read my other article about the Mrs. Degree if you're interested)

23. If you're in the music program, all you do is music.

This probably goes for all colleges, but at Trinity, if you're a music major, it is literally your life. Some of my close friends are music majors and when they're not practicing, they're thinking about practicing or complaining about practicing.

24. You've made some of your best friends here.

Whether it's from the football team, volleyball, the dorms, or one of those random late-night Bible studies, you have met your lifelong friends at Trinity. I've been blessed with so many close friends at college and I know the Lord has orchestrated all that for my personal growth!

25. You can't wait to walk at graduation in Meyers, but you know you'll miss these college days.

I am eagerly awaiting graduation (just one year left!!) but I am also incredibly sad to leave the place that has been my home for nearly five years. This school is going to have an impact far beyond just my college years!

And for those coming to Trinity in the fall, or are already a student there, enjoy your time while it lasts. Cherish the moments laughing with friends; savor the experience of running to chapel to make it on time; cement in your memory the sound of Dr. Dockery's soft, lilting accent as he prays over our student body; and love the professors who impart decades of wisdom and knowledge.