When I left home and moved off to college, it was like hitting the reset button. I felt like I was leaving behind all my friends and family back home, and I was having to start all over again.

What I didn't know, was what kind of a blessing I had waiting for me at Missouri State.

The amount of great people and friends that have been introduced into my life this last semester has been absolutely amazing.

The most incredible thing about it is that I didn't have to do anything to find this great community. I wasn't seeking one out, but I found one regardless. Since the very first week of school, I have felt so welcomed. I have to credit a lot of this to the amazing church that I can call home. The idea that there are hundreds of college students who regularly attend church, would have never even crossed my mind before heading to school.

Knowing that no matter the circumstance, I will always have people to talk to at school is extremely reassuring. I know other people don't have that, and it proves more how blessed I am. It's encouraging to know, that at the very least, people will be there for me.

Having that support group is crucial. On top of this amazing group of friends and a church family that I have, my small group has been a tremendous help. Going form a group of guys who have never met before, to the first people to contact when times are rough is unbelievable. One of the group leaders is my own RA. Going into school, I knew only one RA of all of the ones on campus, and it just so happened to be him. Nobody will be able to tell me that that was just a simple coincidence.

All in all, my community is everything. It is my home away from home, and I am forever grateful for it.