A Big Adjustment

                  Coming from a small town in rural Alabama, I wasn’t exactly sure what all to expect when I moved to the University of Alabama. I knew that there would be a ton more people here than I was used to and that there would be many differences, but beyond that I wasn’t certain. I was moving away from the place I had spent the last 18 years and where most people knew my face if not my name. I would know virtually no one here and I was leaving so much behind. Something else that would be new to me was finding a new church family. I had attended the same congregation since I was a baby and knew everyone at my church. I was comfortable there and knew how the services would be and what activities I would participate in. Now I would have to basically start over and not know anyone. I had been very active in my youth group and was a little worried that I would lose that once I moved to college. I was so wrong though. The first time I went to Central, most of the college students hadn’t moved back yet or were on a mission trip to Peru. However, the whole congregation was so inviting and friendly. I knew that this was where I needed to be. Then, I was really introduced to Tide 4 Christ. I learned that there were actually many people who were from the same area as I was and who also had to go through the same things I did moving somewhere so different. Meeting everyone and participating in Tide 4 Christ has definitely impacted my college experience. It was such a relief to know that there were so many students on campus who were striving to live for God and that I would have as friends. Not many freshmen can say they have friends in every academic class when they first begin college. Tide 4 Christ has helped me continue to focus on God as I transition to this new chapter of my life and it has provided a great way for me to stay involved like I wanted to. I am so blessed that to be a part of this ministry. I’ve met so many outstanding people and I can’t wait to meet even more throughout the years. I am so glad I chose to worship with the congregation at Central. Adjusting to college became so much easier once I found this new family.