My name is Grace Thompson, and I am a rising freshman studying chemical engineering. Having completed my first year of college, I have a few thoughts to share about my experience and about the choices leading me through a time of many transitions.
Choosing which college to attend was, at the time, one of the most difficult decisions I’d ever had to make. For a little background information, I come from a family that eats, sleeps, and breathes Alabama football. Everyone seemed to know exactly where I’d be going—everyone but me. I wanted to be different, to go to Vanderbilt or UCLA, but was genuinely afraid of what my parents might think. Thankfully, they were more open to the idea than others (*cough* Brad *cough*). However, I still did not want to miss out on the family tradition. In constant debate with myself, I questioned which decisions were my own and which decisions I made in response to others. Finally, after months of prayer, the Lord made clear which path I should take. I would continue the Thompson/ Newbill legacy at The University of Alabama.
So, the hard part was over, right? WRONG. Fears still swirled around in my head. Will I make friends? How many times do I have to get lost before I learn my way around? Can I make the transition from a private Christian school to a massive public university? Bama isn’t exactly most well-known for its Christian environment. This uncertainty remained for quite some time as I saw the more common values reflected all around, even in my own living room or in the unexpected extra roommate! But of one thing I was certain, and that was my place at Central Church of Christ.
I’d been visiting the congregation since I was a little girl to see my aunt and uncle as well as my brother who also studied at Alabama. From all his stories, I knew, or at least hoped, that Central could be my home away from home too—and it was. If asked to describe Tide 4 Christ in one word, “family” is always the resounding answer. If I could stress one thing to incoming students, it would be this: get involved early. The Tide 4 Christ students are some of the most welcoming people I have ever met. I only wish I had followed this advice sooner.
First semester I was initially determined to start fresh, to not to be the same quiet girl as before. Instead, I spent way too much time studying (yes you read that right) and not enough time getting to know people. Old habits as they say. Although I never missed services, without people to talk to, I left immediately afterwards. It wasn’t until second semester that I decided enough was enough. I went to absolutely everything and said yes whenever possible. Though I may never be known for my loud, outgoing personality, I can say that I have opened up a lot thanks to the incredible friends I have made. For the first time in my life, I am truly part of a group of Christians who constantly uplift and encourage one another. As a result, I feel closer to God than ever before, and I would not change any of the decisions that led me here.
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