As I am about to begin my senior year at the University of Alabama, all I can say is “wow.” I can’t believe that I am a senior…it seems like just yesterday I was a freshman who was trying to make the transition from high school into college. This transition is something that many students (myself included) struggle with because so many things are new or unexpected.
My goal is to help alleviate those fears by providing a list of things to expect as you’re making the transition to college life as a member of Tide 4 Christ, and what you should expect to gain by being part of our ministry.
1. Expect to feel welcomed
From the time I first walked in the doors at Central, everyone has welcomed me with open arms, whether it was members of T4C or other members of the congregation. This welcoming attitude made it a lot easier to want to come back to worship services and be involved in different events, and it hasn’t changed at all: from the moment you walk in, you will be greeted and welcomed with open arms.
2. Expect to make friends with people who share your faith
On a campus of almost 40,000 students, it is easy to feel as if you’re the only one trying to live a Christian life. One of the greatest parts of T4C is having the social support and friend group with people who share your beliefs and values. Looking back over the last three years, I have been surrounded with a lot of great Christians who have been there to encourage me when I needed it, and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.
3. Expect opportunities to serve
Throughout the year, we will have numerous service projects to be the shining light to the University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community, whether it’s by helping students move into dorms, conducting a fall festival for the local community, or serving concessions at a high school football game. And just because you’re a part of T4C doesn’t mean you can’t help out in worship, either. Guys have the opportunity to lead singing, lead prayer, teach class, or serve communion, and girls have the opportunity to teach in victory village, as well as other service projects through our women’s ministry.
4. Expect to have a home away from home
No matter where I may go when I graduate from Alabama, I know I will always have a church home at Central. One of the greatest parts about T4C is the adopt-a-student ministry, which provides students with a family to take care of them throughout the year. My adopted parents have always been great to me, and I know I will always have a home away from home…no matter where I might go. In addition, the Peak of the Week meals on Wednesday nights before Bible study give students a good home-cooked meal, which is a great break from the dining hall or fast food.
5. Expect to grow spiritually
This is undoubtedly the most important, positive impact that T4C has had on me since I have been a part of the ministry. Being surrounded by Christians and a great church family has helped me grow spiritually in a time when many students (even those who grew up in the church) fall away or have doubts about their faith. Since I have been in college, I have seen my faith grow stronger, and it is undoubtedly attributed to the encouragement I receive from being involved in T4C; without this ministry, I do not know where my faith would be today.
These are just a few of the things that you can expect while making the transition into college life as a member of Tide 4 Christ. This is not everything we do at T4C, but it’s just a few of the most important things I have experienced over the past few years that I hope can ease some anxieties and fears about beginning college.
I’m looking forward to this upcoming year…we have a lot of great things planned, and I can’t wait to get things kicked off with Get Tide In week. Hope to see all y’all soon!
Jackson Broadfoot is the President of the Tide for Christ Student Ministry. He is a senior, from Danville, AL, majoring in Biology and plans to attend Med School following graduation.
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