This post is not about anything special education related, even though special education is one of my biggest passions. I have a bigger one, and that is my love of Jesus Christ. I am a part of a wonderful campus ministry called Christian Campus Fellowship, and that is my second home and where most of my friends are. This campus ministry has helped me foster friendships that last a lifetime and be with people that are like-minded and striving for God every single day. This ministry has made my college career what it is today and has made me love every minute of being a Georgia Southern Eagle.
When I was a high school prospie, I was really worried about whether or not I'd find like-minded friends who would share my faith and help hold me accountable to help me on the right path. A new environment brings new temptations, and even though I held my own pretty well in high school, this was my first time away from my parents, my church family, and everything I'd ever known. I was worried that I'd be tempted by the parties and everything that comes with them. When I got to college, I had nothing to fear as I'd met some of these friends my first week.
During my junior and senior years of high school, I went on six college tours. I never thought Georgia Southern would be my first choice. I walked on Georgia Southern's campus on a lovely November day and fell in love with the campus, the friendly people, the questionable wildlife (ducks), and the special education program. However, some of my peers were a little concerned about my decision for a college. "Georgia Southern is a party school," they'd say. I did not have much to say in return. Sometimes I'd defend my decision by saying that that didn't mean I'd go crazy, but I didn't really care about what other people thought. I knew that I could go to college and still be me even with the huge changes and temptations.
When move-in day came around and my family left, I knew I was not going home anytime soon. On the first day of classes, I met two people standing around handing out lollipops and pieces of paper with information about meetings for a campus ministry called Christian Campus Fellowship (CCF). I took it, and later that week, I went to their Thursday night Bible study where I felt more welcome than I do in Chick-fil-A. Ever since, I have devoted my time to CCF and grown spiritually, as a woman and as a follower of Christ.
I have gotten to know these people well through mission trips, lunches out, trips to Cookout, cafes (coffeehouse devotions that are student led), Halloween dance parties, and much more. These friends have helped me perform to my fullest on my studies and have encouraged me to do anything I set my mind to. I am proof that I didn't fall through the cracks and join the bar scene. I am proof that college did not change me for the worse. I am proof that college changed me for the better, and that a Christian woman can make it in a college town. I am proof that God wanted me to be here and that he always provides.
