Falcon Footnotes

I’ve learned a lot of information here at Messiah but there are some things I have gathered that affect all areas of my life not just in the classroom. I went to a small, private christian school all my life and had Bible class every year along with sunday school at church each week. I knew my bible… Or at least I thought that I did. In coming here I realized that I really don’t a whole lot. There has been so many times where my mind has been opened up to new ideas and concepts. I’ve been stretched and had my mind put through the ringer a few times. The good thing is though that I am coming out the other side knowing what I believe in and being a stronger person for it. My faith is just that now: MY FAITH. It’s not that of my parents, sisters, or pastor but something that I have developed now on my own and have taken ownership of. That is probably the biggest and most important lesson I have learned here yet. Thank you Messiah College and the Bible Department

HEY everyone!
So, I’m guessing you’ve heard about chapel here at Messiah. I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I hope it’s all good stuff! To be honest, I kind of thought chapel was going to be a pain when I first got here, just another obligation to fulfill, blah blah blah. BUT good news! We do have a wide selection of chapels to choose from in order to fulfill your 24 credits, ranging from Common (every Tuesday/Thursday) to Alternate (all over the place, whenever). I’d have to say one of my favorite chapels was a Common one we did this past semester, when College Ministries had us all sit in a large group and we had students read anonymous confessionals of students who attended Messiah. It was a very emotional service, and had me thinking about it for at least a week afterwards. So many of our chapels have that effect on students. So, some might think it’s a pain (like me at first), but so many students believe it to be one of the college’s strongest assets.

First year seminar… Or to us students here at messiah FYS.

FYS was a great transition class into Messiah. It really helped to change my working attitude of how I treated class in High School to what my work ethic and study  habits are now in college. I took a class called God, Goals, and Glory: A Closer look at Christianity and Competition with Doug Miller. It was based on being ethical while being competitive and not losing our witness while we play games or do sports. Probably my fondest memories iclude a project where myself and two other students in my class had to build a better sports league that helped children be able to compete in sports while having a christian perspective. We also had a trip to our professors house and played ping pong. The small class sizes are awesome and getting to know your professor is a really cool experience.

Worried that when you come here, you won’t know WHAT to pick for your major? I mean, it’s a tough decision, after all. With our impressive 60+ major programs, who WOULDN’T be overwhelmed? Just kidding, we try to make the decision process as easy and pain-free as possible. The thing is, our Academic Advisers (all full-time teachers in your respective field of study) really care about the choices you make when it comes to this stuff. It’s easy to schedule an appointment with them, and just talk about what you want to do with your life, and whether or not your current major can help you achieve that life. I was a Business Major, and recently changed to English, as that was way more in tune with my interests. The process was really simple and worry-free. You’ll come to REALLY appreciate Advisers, I know I have. They make life easy.

My first week at Messiah was an explosion of sensations, thoughts, and activities.  I still remember the first day as my parents helped to get me into my dorm.  That day I met my roommate, my first RA, and my other floormates.  That night was the candlelight service and then before I knew it I was on my own at college (that may be a super scary thought for some of you, but I am here to tell you it was awesome!).  The next several days I spent bonding with my roommate and my peer group.  We did all sorts of activities, but one of my favorites was the First Year Games.

The First Year Games is a time when the different first-year dorms compete in a variety of different games.   Everyone wears their dorm’s color (Witmer – Red, Hess – Green and Naugle – Blue).  My favorite game was blob tag!  Welcome Week will always remain a great memory from my college experience and I know that you all will definitely enjoy that first week of orientation (and all the weeks that follow!)

Hey, everyone!
So you know what I really enjoy? Larsen Student Union, that’s what! If you’re ever tired of Lottie food (cafeteria food can only take you so far), a burger, wrap, or a Buffalo Chicken pizza (so good) at the Union is just what you need. The food is great, and it’s really fun to just chill with friends in one of the booths or the upstairs lounges. The upstairs also has a number of student offices, like SAB, SGA, International Students Union, etc. So, I guess Larsen is really the headquarters of all things student. ALSO, downstairs is the Messiah Radio Station, WVMM 90.7! It’s student-run, so students can have a show if they want. I have one! Mondays, 4-5. Listen in? Thanks.
Check out LARSEN STUDENT UNION!

Hi everyone!

So, as you might know, incoming first-years to Messiah get placed in a first-year dorm. During my first year, I lived in Hess, and I really loved it. I have this giant, ugly book-print couch and it fit great. The space seemed like more than enough. My sophomore year, I moved to a room that seemed HUGE compared my old one. The ceilings were higher, the room was wider, you name it. Since I’m working here this summer, I had to move back to my old dorm, and since I was used to the big space in my newer dorm, I was bummed about living in a first-year dorm again. I’ve been there almost 2 weeks now, and I’m loving every second of it. I really think you will too, the rooms are big enough to hold basically anything a college student needs. Hopefully I’ll see you here soon!

As you may know Messiah has mandatory chapel every Tuesday and Thursday. Then throughout the year they have several Alternate Chapels that students can attend to reach their quota for chapel. Yesterday’s Chapel in Brubaker was amazing. We had a speaker named Stephen Gallagher who spoke about forgiveness and how it’s hard for some people to forgive when they have been hurt. It was a word from the Lord that not only ministered to me but also to a majority of the students. Then that night we had an Alternate Chapel run by the African Student Union and the Black Student Union on campus. It was just another worship experience. We sang songs in Swahili and Gospel tunes. It was great to have another opportunity to worship with the community. This was a great experience for me because the worship style was what I am used to. However, I can strongly assume that this was a different experience for several Messiah students and they enjoyed it as well. Throughout our busy day at Messiah, I am grateful for the times when we can slow down and worship the Lord not only during mandatory but during Alternate Chapels when you choose if you want to go or not. Take time for the Lord.

As my sophomore year draws to a close, it’s mind-boggling to think that I’m halfway done college. Where did all the time go? I feel like I just got here!

Right now is a great time just to think about all the great times I’ve had here and everything I have to look forward too. I’ve grown so much spiritually and I’ve gotten so much closer to God during my time here at Messiah, and it’s so exciting to think about the things God has in store for me for the next two years here.  I’ve learned so much in my studies, and I can’t wait for all the things that I’ll get to learn soon, especially once I start my student teaching! And I smile when I think about all the amazing friends I have made over the last two years, and I smile even more thinking about how much closer I’ll get with them in the next half of my time at Messiah, and all the new friends I’ll get to make.

With classes ending this coming Tuesday, finals beginning that Thursday, so much remains to complete before I’m ready to graduate. My last semester here at Messiah whizzed by, ending before I realized it even began. Papers and presentations flood my mind, making it impossible to enjoy these past few weeks. This week marked the deadline of all my work before exams start next week. The best part, I only have one in class exam. Beyond that I have a portfolio, a presentation, and a take home test. All of which will be done by next Friday. That leaves me with a full week of fun and relaxation before graduation. Those final few days before commencement, the senior class just hangs out- senior picnic, a day at Hershey Park, rafting on the breeches- all the great things to do around Messiah College. It will be depressing to leave this place: all my friends, the memories, and other great times I’ve had during college, but I am super excited for Senior Week!