Fall is a time for change.

Across the country, college freshmen unload family vans and settle into empty dorm rooms. They hug Mom and Dad goodbye, and then rush off to their first (of many) orientation sessions. They run into their first classes five minutes late, after accidentally walking into different classes ten minutes early. They memorize name after name, hoping that just one will stick around enough to become a friend.

I was one of those scared little freshmen, alternating between excitement and homesickness. I introduced myself to everyone with a quick rattle-off of the basics: name, major and hometown. I got lost between classes, and I never knew which relationships would last.

That was two years ago. This September, I will be starting my junior year, and I wish I could tell the new freshmen that this new world isn’t scary.

But that is a lie.

Even two years later, I can say – college is scary. In fact, it’s terrifying. (Starting something new almost always is.)

I still sometimes think that college is scary.

I’m moving off-campus this year.

I’m excited, but also scared.

I’m hoping to study abroad this year.

I’m excited, but also scared.

I’m an upperclassman this year –and I’m half-done with college!

I’m excited, but also scared.

Neither you nor I want to be terrified forever; nothing would ever get done. But fear doesn’t just vanish in an instant. Its chains disappear link by link, as experiences begin to shatter the connections between fear and reality.

So, if you’re afraid of all the changes ahead, know that you’re not alone. If your smile is more nervous than excited at orientation, know that you’re not alone. If you’re missing home at unexpected hours of the night, know that you’re not alone. If you’re wishing things could be different, know that you’re not alone.

But please, please don’t live in that fear.

College is certainly, definitely terrifying. But it doesn’t have to be terrifying forever.

It is nothing to be afraid of – because God remains faithful there.

Two years ago, I didn’t know how much I would love my college friends. Two years ago, I didn’t know how much I would love my major. Two years ago, I didn’t know how much how I would love the activities I’ve joined, the communities I’ve made, and the places I’ve explored.

Fear is a part of human life, but it should never be its defining thread. Enjoying college – and life – isn’t about ignoring our fear. It’s about recognizing it.

And then – God helping us – we conquer it.

God works in the scary times, the terrifying places, the frightening moments of our lives. Why should college be any different?

If we think, “Yup, this’ll be easy,” we’re probably underestimating the situation. The term “growing pains” exists because growing up is hard – not because we like to laugh at the poor struggling few who can't get it right.

Change is scary. College – a time of huge change – is very scary.

And, when we recognize this fear, we have the chance to recognize a voice, speaking calmly over us:

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”