Hart Hall is a small but mighty dormitory on Biola’s campus. Most of the time we go unnoticed because of our lack of numbers and location at the far south end of campus, but we have a united spirit and a community that has been unmatched for years. We house some of the weirdest, creepiest people I know. At the same time, it is the home of some of the sweetest, most caring people I know. Together our quirks and oddities are what make this decrepit building from the 70s so wonderfully entertaining and what make it so difficult to describe in a way that does it justice—it is something you just have to experience.

Our community is intimate, inviting, and accepting of practically anyone. In this sense, Hart is more like a family than my biological extended family is. In fact, our first all-hall was "family reunion" themed. We have protective big brothers, bizarre and unusual cousins, storytellers, compassionate and encouraging sisters, punny and hilarious siblings, listeners and counselors, thrivers of late night theological discussions, and overly adventurous playmates. We welcome people in as an extension of the family group. The people exhibit genuine caring and selflessness, taking real interest in people for who they are, with their full background and baggage included, only for the purpose of loving each other better and interacting in an honoring way.

It is not simply a dorm that houses us all for 8 months out of the year, but a home—an unparalleled community that I am confident to say has and is continuing still to form many's college experience, including mine. I cannot go a single day without a reassuring head-bob greeting, a comforting hug, a shared laugh, or the thrill of seeing a familiar face for the first time that day. The friendships formed here are ones we hope to have for a long time. It is too early to tell if they will be life-long, but at the very least, they have been phenomenally life-altering and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I have missed being surrounded by so many that I love while we were all away these last three months of summer. I am overjoyed and grateful to be back in their presence.

Our four floors each provide a different presence. There exist two female floors: Hub known for our outgoing and noisy personalities while Huod has a cool and friendly vibe. The two male floors are Haven, which is most like a cult with their devotion to brotherly affection and traditions, whereas Heat resembles a fraternity, possessing great filming and comedic skills. This year is already proving to change the stereotypes of each floor as it is with all of the incoming new residents, and I am excited to see what this year holds for our little community.

As it is put by our Senator Jacob Keeth:

Home is where you find family,

And home is where the heart is.

Home is a Haven of rest, a Hub of powerful community, and a Huod to protect us.

Home is being filled with such a love of Jesus that the Heat is hard to resist.

Home is where the Hart is,

And we’re family here.

Welcome home!