So my first year of college is now completed. I ended up getting 1 B, but hey it had to happen sometime right? Anyways, my freshman year has certainly been interesting to say the least. I met so many great people, made so many wonderful memories, and learned a lot about myself as well. So since I listed these three things, I guess I will go through each in depth.
One thing that had me nervous about my first year at college was that none of my good friends were going to the U of A with me. Sure I knew a few people going, but none well enough to hang out with. Also, I had never been the best at making friends, since my two best friends during school I had been friends with since I was 5. However, any worry I had vanished whenever I first got involved with the RFC, and I thank God so much for the people that are a part of that ministry. I quickly began good friends with most of the students in the RFC and enjoyed every time I we got together, whether it was for fun or for God. In addition, I also somehow ended up making some friends outside of the RFC. Some from my floor in my dorm, others I worked with in different classes, and even my roommate! There are a few of those friends, though, who I don't think I could have made it through my first year without.
First and foremost, I have to mention the two grad students that were a part of the RFC. Without these two girls, I know my first year would not have been even close to as awesome as it was. They both provided me with great advice as I needed it, but also helped me to remember to have fun during my time in college. They also were wonderful christian examples who helped to grow my faith tremendously. Both graduated this year, so while I will miss them and it will be different without them around, I hope to keep in contact with both of them for years to come. Two other people who I had the privilege to meet where a couple who were both in their sophomore year. The girl happened to be in the same chemistry as me both semesters, so I got to bond with her by doing.... I mean helping her with her online homework and also studying with her. She is such a positive person and every time I see her it always lifts my spirits no matter how I'm feeling. The guy is a sports management major so no classes in common, but he does like the cardinals so that is where we made our connection. He is such an awesome guy and very down to earth. Also, we started playing golf together after spring break so I hope we continue that activity in the early fall! There are so many other people I could mention and talk about at length, but I just want them to know that just because I didn't doesn't mean I don't love them!
My first year at college was also full a number of unforgettable moments. The day we filled up one of the rooms in the RFC house with a LOT of balloons was of course one of the best! Staying up all night to get Skyrim and then play beside one of my good friends was also great. I got the chance to preach, give a devo, and lead singing this year as well. All of the devos and lessons, especially the deeper issues lessons, were fantastic and really helped me grow in my faith and knowledge. Late nights of studying up at the RFC house were always something to look forward to, even though it was studying. Tagging all of the girls cars while they were in girls study was also very fun, but I made up for it by making them cookies, twice! I also was able to have many lunches with one of my good friends who went to the high school in Fayetteville and had fun going to prom with her. I got my first taste of engineering research and had a very fun, yet stressful, time with that. Finally, I had the chance to have many great late night conversations with one of the grad student girls and those nights were probably some of the best I had throughout my entire freshman year. Overall, my freshman year was pretty great, but I know next year can be even better.
So what exactly did I take away from this year? Well, the first thing is that I have a lot of growing to do. I mean I could give the excuse that this was just my first year, or that I had come from a smaller school and youth group, or that I just didn't have what was needed to do what needed to be done, but I don't want to do that. I want to tell myself that while I did some things right, I did a lot of things wrong and that if I want to make an impact on the people around me, I have to change that. On a more positive note though, I think I learned how to be more open and friendly to others, while still not having to talk more than I want to. I still need to work on speaking up more, but I am getting better at it and think that my social skills have made good improvements to where they were just a year ago. I've also learned how to study my bible better and see what I need to do in order to do God's will, but I still need to do a better job at being more consistent with that. Finally, I've learned how to better open up to others I think, and have enjoyed getting to know many of the RFCs on a very personal level.
There it is, my freshmen year in short. Was it anything like I thought it would be? Not at all, but I'm really not sure what I was expecting. What I got was the best year of my life, though. The relationships and memories I made this year were so fantastic and I know I wouldn't change a thing about how this year went. I loved every minute of it and can't wait to get back on campus. What will my sophomore year be like? I have no clue. What I do know is that when August rolls around, I will have God in my heart, old and new friends by my side, and a smile on my face. Until then, I will keep you updated on my summer shenanigans and hope that I can make sure to continue to develop myself into the man God needs me to be. Thanks to everyone that made my freshman year fantastic!
