How to approach college life
By Bryce Pope · Contributing Writer
On behalf of the Orientation Board here at Grove City College, I would like to offer a heartfelt welcome to the Class of 2030! We are thrilled that you have chosen this college as your home away from home to continue to learn, grow and be formed more into the person God created you to be.
When I say “we,” I mean the young men and women who swarmed your car your first day here. Not only were they overly eager to carry your full-sized fridge up to your dorm, but they have been praying over you all for the past six months and are excited to welcome each one of you into the community we cherish so closely here at the college.
I would encourage you to talk with as many OB members as possible! They greatly desire to be your friend. So, if you were worried about making friends, don’t worry, you already have 100.
The amazing people who lead this school, who I am blessed to call friends, have given me the great privilege of addressing you all, and I want to take advantage of this opportunity to share some Grover wisdom I wish I understood better as a freshman.
Grover life tip #1: Learn to say no.
Grove City College has a multitude of opportunities to choose from. With 22 NCAA sports, over 130 clubs and organizations and countless spontaneous worship sessions and Bible studies, you won’t have a hard time getting involved in some way on campus. In fact, because of all these opportunities, it may be very easy for you to become over-involved.
The reality of college is that academics take up a lot of your time, as they should. Then, you have friends that you want to hang out with. And after those two pillars, you have the mysterious third of college life they call sleep. Regardless, time is a college student’s precious commodity and what you choose to do with it matters.
So here is my advice: choose four to five clubs or organizations that pique your interest in the next few weeks. Make a list of the pros and cons you see in each club, and, most importantly, know realistically how much time you have to give.
Then cut that list to two clubs, one with a larger commitment and one with less time required, and get involved. Find a community there, continue to observe if these are commitments you can make and dive in.
Know that it is okay to step away if it is too much. Rest is a crucial part of living a healthy college life. If you aren’t being filled up with encouraging relationships, time with the Lord and relaxation, how can you expect yourself to commit to anything fully? Find your limits, stick with them and get involved in the way that both benefits you and the people you commit to.
If you have this skill already, congratulations! That is a gift God has given you. My advice still stands: learn to say no.
Grove life tip #2: Don’t waste your time here.
Class of 2030, I believe God has called you here to this campus for a reason beyond your academics. He has called you here that you may experience life in Christ in a new way.
However, this won’t be an easy task. The temptation to relevance is a challenge you will have to fight against continually.
At Grove City College, it is very easy to fall into a track of desiring to become the “ideal Grover” who is on top of academics, involved on campus, “knows” what the future looks like and has the “ring by spring” mentality. None of these objectives are inherently wrong; however, if they become the main focus of why you are at college, you will quickly lose sight of what is most important: your relationship with Christ.
I would encourage you all to view Grove City College as a place where spiritual formation and personal growth are at the core of everything done on this campus. This place truly is a wisdom-seeking and discerning college that desires for you to know the Lord and treasure him more than gold or silver.
Do not let time slip by where you neglect to pursue intentional time with the Lord. God wants to work in your life here, and He wants to do so in amazing ways. You only have four years here, and I can tell you that it goes by faster than you could ever imagine. Engage with the difficult questions and enjoy the process of growing here.
I can also tell you that if it weren’t for the community here on campus, I would not be standing before you today as a Christian. I came to school struggling with the idea of what it meant to be a man of God in a world that all too often captivates the desires of the heart.
Because of the intentionality of staff, students and faculty alike, the Lord has shaped my soul through their care to become a man who stands firm in his faith and desires greatly to do every action out of love for God and neighbor. Not only that, but campus is extremely safe. So safe that if you want to claim a spot in the dining hall, your water bottle will not do. No, you need to leave your phone, wallet and keys to properly ensure your spot won’t be taken.
Class of 2030, once more, welcome to Grove City College.
A version of this article was delivered as a speech during the opening session of freshman orientation.
