I just moved into my dorm at Brenau, and I can honestly say that it may be one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have not even been here and entire week, and I already have a good feeling about this community. As a transfer student who has done the whole "new college" thing before, I was a little nervous about my experience. I was afraid that I would be treated different since I am starting out as a sophomore. As a new student, my experience so far has surpassed my expectations.

When I think about my process of transferring here and meeting new people once I arrived, one word stuck out to me: community. Everyone here is so welcoming, and it really makes all of the new students feel at ease! Before I even arrived on campus, several students reached out to me and made me feel welcome. They let me ask them questions about anything at all, and they also wanted to learn about me. This alone put me at ease for this transition, and they helped set the tone for my expectations at Brenau.

Once I arrived on campus, I realized that my first impressions were correct. Everyone continued to be welcoming, and people were beyond excited that I was there. It has been so easy to meet new people and make new friends. I think my favorite part about the people here is that I can literally sit with anyone in the dining hall, and it is not weird or awkward. I have noticed that I have made the most friends by going out of my comfort zone and sitting with people I do not know.

Not only is there a great community with the students, but there is also a community with the professors. Before I even met any students, I was in constant contact with the professors in my department. Since I am a music major, I had to be in contact with the music department about auditions, transfer credits for music classes, etc. They were ecstatic about my audition, and this is what initially geared me to Brenau. I knew that the professors genuinely had my best interests in mind, and they wanted me to have the best education. In this way, I knew that the Lord was telling me to transfer to Brenau.

At Brenau, there are no strangers. It appears that everyone knows each other. Even if it is only from Facebook, you know everyone. I am thankful to have found a community where everyone knows and loves each other. Whenever I pass someone on campus, we always greet each other as we walk by. This environment is something I have never experienced before, and I am absolutely grateful that I found this school.

All in all, Brenau is a community and a sisterhood where everyone loves and supports each other! I have only been here for a few days, and this is all quite prominent. Again, I am beyond thankful that the Lord sent me here, and I look forward to the opportunities it will bring!