We’ve probably all heard these sort of upsetting words before starting out on the old college journey. Particularly I was one of those kids who refused to think that this would be me and attempted to forget about the one liner of advice. However, my semester didn’t turn out exactly like I thought it would, I spent the week of move in pursuing many a group or club and attending different meetings, putting myself out there to meet people.

The block party in front of the student center at the University of Missouri was probably the most fun but at this point other than my roommates the only people I’d met were a few hall mates.

Then I headed over to a Newman Center barbecue on Tiger Plaza and there I met and befriended many other Christians, finding myself in a new group. I spent the rest of the week at the different events put on by the welcoming committee of the university with these new friends. Over that time, I realized just how fun college could be and how many kind people there are all around us. From ultimate frisbee on the quad to just having dinner downtown everything was new and exciting.

However, then classes started and because the group happened to be mainly seniors gearing up to graduate we had no classes together and thus our paths stop crossing. So after the last party of syllabus week each of us got busier and busier and the age old saying became true of my first week as well. Now those people I spent my first week on campus with are simply familiar looking faces that I spot as I walk to class or out of the dining halls. No matter how little of each other we see, I’d like them all to know that their welcoming attitudes and inviting nature helped to make the huge campus seem more conquerable. Drifting apart isn't the worst thing its just another supportive group of people out there who you know are wishing you well and that you hope the best for.

I’ve always been one to make friends with the older kids and it was once again a huge comfort to be taken under their wings and hear their different stories and experiences. Meeting each of them encouraged me and every once and awhile I wonder how their semesters are fairing but mostly I miss that time when we all had less on our minds and plates.

Now let’s all just give one big thank you to the people that helped us branch out and get started on the rollercoaster that is college. Where would we be if someone didn’t encourage us and give us the courage to be brave.

Thank you to my first week friends