As I sit on my unmade twin XL bed,
in a room lit only by white Christmas lights, writing my first blog post in
months (sorry life got kinda busy, as it often does), I try to wrap my head
around the fact that today marks my last day as a college freshman. I wouldn’t
believe it if it weren’t for my roommate’s empty bed, the cardboard boxes
sitting on the floor, and the tornado of notes, empty Starbucks cups, and food
wrappers that attest to my miraculous survival of finals week. It has been a
crazy ride, let me tell ya. I think I’ve experienced every emotion possible
this semester—everything from tears of joy and laughter, to tears of absolute
despair about how the heck I’m going to survive college without failing or
going insane from lack of sleep.
Nevertheless, now that it’s over, I
miss it already. Of course I’ll miss living a few steps from the beach and the
beautiful sunsets every day, but more than anything I’ll miss the people. I’ll
miss gathering at a loud table for dinner at the caf, worshipping together in
Time Out, late nights at the library, the kind words of customers at Bobby B’s
(the coffee place I work at), Dr. Smith’s jokes and prayers, Dr. J’s standing
offer of meeting us at the cross for Ben and Jerry’s to sort out our struggles,
bonding through our suffering, the random comments/conversations/dance parties
in the dorm with Megan, spontaneous adventures, and every other bonding
experience with people here. Loma is filled with such amazing people… Listen to
me, I'm already longing to be back and I haven't even left yet! It’s crazy how one year can change you so
much—how God can just move you from your comfort zone and throw a ton of
ridiculously amazing people and experiences in your life and make you feel His
love and joy more fully than ever before! It’s incredible. I can’t even find
words that would do this experience justice.
I guess that moving forward with
this, I would advise anyone going to Loma (or any Christian college for that
matter) to really immerse yourself fully in the community and the experience.
I’m still working on this myself, but try to really get to know people—don’t be
afraid to start random conversations with strangers, ask deep questions, and
don’t be afraid to go places without your friends!
Be a part of something
greater than yourself: find a church (haven’t found mine yet, but hopefully
next semester when we have cars!), visit orphanages with Ministry with Mexico,
feed the homeless downtown…there are so many opportunities to serve!
If you
live here, please take advantage of the beach!!! Most of us will not live this
close again! Go exploring, go on adventures, and freshmen, walk places! Go on
trips with Great Escapes—they’re awesome! Study when you need to, but know that
you also need balance. Sleep, exercise, eat healthy, eat ice cream and
chocolate when you need to, take a walk or run along the cliffs to release stress,
dance, and ALWAYS enjoy laughter and joy shared with friends.
Even though this
next one applies mostly to those unfortunate souls taking chemistry, when you
hear that the final is impossible and not worth studying for, still study. And
no, don’t wait until 9pm of the night before the final—I learned that the hard
way.
If you didn't get the message from the pictures, enjoy every sunset. Each one is different and absolutely magnificent and reflective of the beauty of God's creation.
And don't be afraid of hanging out in your dorm in your PJ's on a friday night. There is no shame in recovering from a tough week of class. Your body will thank you for the extra sleep and you'll feel more energized to socialize and study the rest of the weekend!
Lastly, love love love your friends because these are the people who you will carry in your heart for the rest of your life.
Blessings,
Lisa
