Looking out unto the expanse of campus, I often ask myself the question: “what made me fall in love with Wake Forest”? Two years ago, as a prospective student, why did I love this place so much? As I wrote this piece, my answer became clear. It is because God was here. He was already preparing this place for me that I would call home for the next four years. In honor of accepted students season on campus, and just an overall reflection of my experience of being at Wake Forest University for two years, I wrote a poem.

This poem is dedicated to the class of 2022. I hope you learn to love the beauty of Wake Forest as much as I have. Because wherever God is, there is always beauty in the joy, pain, brokenness, and triumph that life brings.

Why did I choose to call this place home?

What drew me to the magnificent forest?

What caused my neck to break as I looked up at the magnificent, ever-present Wait Chapel?

It was because God was already here

Why did I find beauty in the brick buildings?

Excitement at the idea of hard work and no sleep?

Opportunities for people who look like me?

It’s because God was already here

I saw Him in Wait Chapel

I saw Him in the trees

I saw Him in the songs the birds sing

I saw Him in every step I would take

I felt His presence here at Wake Forest University

He went with me on college tours

From American to Stetson

But He said to my reluctant soul: “You will call this place home”

You will face pain, joy, sorrow, shame, stress

But you will also see bright days

You will serve me with your voice, a pen and some paper

All for my glory

You will learn

And you will grow

You will fight

And you will bow

But through it all

I’ll be right here with you

Because I am already here

I have been here since the beginning

And I’ll see you through until the end

So here I am

Reflecting on where I’ve come from

And where I’m going

God has me at Wake Forest for a greater purpose

And will all my strength, and His power, I will walk into that

Class of 2022, let Christ lead you, let Him carry you, and walk under His care

Because if He brought you here

It’s because He wants you here

To be the light, the hope, and the soul this campus needs

You are here for a purpose; walk confidently into that

Through it all, He’s never going to leave.

You may not feel Him, or you make think He’s left you

But look to your right and left, and there He is, and always will be

So, welcome. We hope you love it here.