Freshman Reflections From Belmont UniversitySample

Day 25 – Transition
The transition to college, for most, is dramatic as you will find yourself surrounded by strangers far from the comforts of home. The change is simultaneously exciting and unsettling as you come to grips with a dizzying array of new opportunities and responsibilities. In this uncomfortable whirlwind of change, you will find yourself pushed intellectually by courses in subjects ranging from the humanities and arts to science, mathematics and business.

Some of these topics will seem familiar or, better yet, interesting. Others will be courses that frankly feel chosen for you and leave you wondering why someone decided you should enroll.

However, a willingness to engage is an important aspect of getting the most out of your college experience. Even if you find yourself questioning why you are required to take a particular course, respect the fact that required courses have been carefully chosen and you have been given the opportunity to engage with a professor that finds the subject matter so important that they have committed their professional lives to studying and even expanding our understanding of the area.

The Bible is full of examples of people being sent off to interact with strangers. In Acts, chapter 8, Philip is sent south into the desert where, on the road, he encounters someone who is different in almost every respect. Philip could have easily avoided the stranger, but instead Philip engages him in conversation. Despite appearances, Philip finds that the stranger is seeking to become a disciple of Christ. In the end, Philip finds a connection with the stranger and both benefit.

I would challenge you to also seek opportunities to connect with strangers you will meet in your career at Belmont, especially in those subject areas that seem foreign and un-relatable to your own goals. Challenge yourself to engage and don’t waste opportunities to learn.

DR. THOMAS SPENCE
Dean, College of Science & Mathematics