Belmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample

Day 27 – Community

When taking the first steps as a freshman in college, there is often a shared sensation of walking out of the familiar and into the unknown. Whether it is the newness of dorm life, living in an unexplored city, attending a different church or attempting to make new friends, each young woman and man will feel some sense of instability. Not only has he or she just been displaced from an environment of home, but has now been placed into a vastly different community – a community in which a student and his or her peers, will eat, sleep and learn directly alongside one another.

The factor of age sets this new community apart from any that the freshman has experienced before it, and is what makes relationships founded in college so special. A dorm, a classroom, the cafeteria and the Beaman are all common in that they contain students who go through tough changes daily, but now do so away from the watchful guidance of family and close friends.

However, “a brother is born for a time of adversity,” and through shared landmark events, bonds tighter than just friendship are forged at Belmont. As students experience feelings of independence and growth, it becomes clear that the community they surround themselves with is one of total understanding, because each member of that community is witnessing similar changes. One of the most important facets of brotherhood is the ability to openly share emotions, trials and faith journeys.

It is easier to speak openly with one another if we approach communication without pretension, as Mark 18:15 tells us. From this new form of community blossoms an atmosphere in which members are cared for and are encouraged to fully love themselves and those around them, thereby creating fellowship with peers in the way that God intended for us.

As you continue your college career, you will find how crucial it is to discover who your “family” here at Belmont University is. By living a genuine and loving life, you will surely invite friendships that will continuously draw you closer to Our Father by walking in His Son’s light. Lean in to the community of students, faculty and staff surrounding you, so that you can later lean on the new relationships that you have built up into a resilient and lasting support system.

Bridget Davies | Junior | Music Education