Many universities were founded on Christian beliefs. Many are tied to religion through their title, some have good Christian organizations, but rarely does one see a college that genuinely holds true to the beliefs it was founded upon. That's where my college comes in.

You see, there's something different about my college.

I adore my college. I wasn't one for the high school scene. I didn't go to football games, I didn't get all the t-shirts, I didn't sit in the student section, I didn't go to the fun events. Now I have more shirts for my college than I can count. I can't wait to go to sporting events. I've gone to almost every social event offered. I finally have something I can take pride in with my whole heart. The funny thing is, this is just my first week of my college career.

There's something different about the way people interact with each other. People smile a lot. I rarely see someone wearing a frown. You pass someone and they wave. People who barely know you call you over to play a funny game involving hitting each other with noodles on your way back to your dorm from class (yes, this actually happened). People aren't afraid to talk to each other and introduce themselves. They will act like they are your best friend in just a matter of minutes. You meet someone new and they want to sit down with you over a meal in the cafeteria and talk about diving deeper into God's Word within a matter of minutes. I shared my prayer requests with my roommate after she asked if I had any and she encouraged me and continually encourages me. People genuinely love each other and pour into each other.

There's something different about the way my professors teach. My first class started with a devotion and a time of prayer. In my science class, my professor incorporated a passage from Genesis about creation in her lecture. My art professors talked about how having an eternal perspective and focusing on Christ helps in times of discouragement and disillusionment. In my Bible class and my professor talked about how he prayed over us before we even entered the classroom. They make an effort to get to know each student and even hold Bible studies at their houses. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed in certain moments because I couldn't get over how blessed I am to be at a University that encourages faith and the professors genuinely love Christ instead of mocking Him and tearing student's beliefs apart.

There's something different about the way Christ is portrayed here. Legalism is a very real issue that drives many away from the faith, but here I experience freedom in Christ. Yes, there are some rules, but I don't think they're to hinder us from having fun, they protect us. Yes, there is a requirement to go to chapel, but everyone is eager to go. There weren't enough seats for everyone. You feel the energy and the adoration of Christ surge throughout the room during times of song. When someone preaches, they show their reverence for God's Word and their love for the students. I want to know my Savior more because of the people around me.

There's something different here I can't wait to be a part of the next four years. I know God will use my college experience to shape me into who He has created me to be. I will learn to love him more deeply through my education and I am so incredibly moved and blessed to realize how He has provided me a way to be here and rest in his presence in such an amazing place.