Coming to college, I was filled with an assortment of apprehensions. Among these were the normal worries that anyone going off to college has: fear of being homesick, finding the right friends, managing these new responsibilities, and so forth. Along with these concerns, I could not help but worry about whether I would be able to find many fellow Christians or not.

Seeing as how my faith has always been of the utmost importance to me, I hoped to surround myself with people that would help me to grow in it during this new transition rather than stray from it.

However, quickly after I got here, I found these concerns to be unnecessary. This was when I met you guys.

Although I tried to play it off, I was a bit nervous when I first met you all, but I could immediately tell how genuine each one of you was. And quickly after meeting, I discovered that we would be forming a weekly Bible study group, and I was honestly curious to see how it would go. While we seemed to have this immediate connection the first few days we spent together, I wondered if we would eventually become distant.

However, we grew closer, and our group expanded. I soon found myself surrounded by these wonderful individuals that not only shared a love for Christ as I did but were able to show me love and encouragement as well.

And for this, I thank you.

I thank you for the encouragement.

During the craziness of this first semester, you guys have been such a tremendous help. The words of wisdom and positive comments have helped me through some stressful moments (e.g. RUSH WEEK).And you have no idea how much it meant to receive those messages asking, “How can I pray for you?”

I thank you for sticking with me.

This semester has certainly been a bit busier than I originally pictured it to be. When we first met, finding the time to spend one evening a week together seemed like no big deal, but little did I know how difficult that would soon become. Through my many, upon many absences, you all never gave up on me and continued to include me. To my leaders, you both even went out of your way to make sure that I could still be a part of this group, and I am so immensely appreciative of that.

I thank you for helping me grow as a Christian.

For this, I cannot even begin to express my gratitude. As I stated, I was worried about how this transition might affect my relationship with Christ when I first came here. However, it has continued to grow and strengthen, and I owe this to you all. Had I not met you and been surrounded by your mutual love for God and received your encouragement, I do not believe I would have been able to say the same thing.

So, thank you.

For everything.