Advice to future Falcons

It’s hard to believe that four years ago I was a senior in high school getting ready to begin my journey at Messiah. Although I was happy to be attending the college of my choosing, the fear of the unknown loomed in front of me like a dark tunnel. Looking back, it would have been helpful to hear from the perspective of an older and wiser college senior as I prepared to transition from my comfortable high school and home community to a college environment and all that comes with it.

So, my dear readers, I have compiled a list of ways to get the most out of your four years at Messiah. All of these things are as a result of experience - either things that I did well or in hindsight realized I should have done.

  • During your first semester at Messiah, DO NOT go home every weekend. Or every other weekend. In fact, try to make it to fall break without taking a trip home. I know living in dorms is weird at first and that you will probably miss your bed, dog, and mom’s cooking, but trust me on this one. The only way to build relationships with the people around you is if you are physically present!
  • I realize that Grantham is not the most exciting location, especially if you grew up in a city area. But give it a chance - don’t write off Grantham immediately like I did just because it does not have a Cheesecake Factory a Banana Republic in its immediate vicinity. There are so many things to do in the area if you do a little research! My roommate Mallory always comes up with a fun new activity to do, such as taking a day trip to the Lake Tobias Animal Safari Park. If trying new restaurants are more your idea of an exotic adventure, try Pakha’s Thai House in Dillsburg; or for a more upscale dining experience, grab a date or a group of friends for a evening at Cafe Fresco in Harrisburg.
  • So even though I am converted into a believer that quality life does exist in Grantham, I also stand firm in the thought that you should not spend all four years here at this campus. I knew coming into college that I would like to spend some of my time in another location, but was uneasy about thought of being across the ocean for an entire semester. The Philadelphia campus let me experience day-to-day life in an urban environment as well as the feeling of being a student at a large public university, all the while living in a socially and spiritually supportive community with other Messiah students. Plus, I was only a train ride away from my family and was able to make several visits back to the main campus during the semester. Another great option I found are the j-term cross cultural trips. As I have written both in this blog and on The Bridge Online, traveling to Ghana this past January impacted my life in immeasurable ways. I know that my great experience was not just unique to me and my trip, but that many others have had equally as life-changing journeys to places such as Zambia, The French West Indies, and New Zealand.
  • Love every moment - you will be amazed by how fast your four years fly by. Being a Messiah student is an incredible gift. I know it doesn’t always feel like that in the midst of papers, exams, and presentations, but I guarantee that when you are sitting where I am looking back at your nearly half a decade-long adventure, your heart will be filled with as much thankfulness for every fond memory as mine is right now. I get teary-eyed almost every time I think about walking across the stage to accept my diploma, because I know that for it I am trading the unpredictable, sometimes crazy, yet in the end wonderful life of a Messiah College student.

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