by Savannah Cottrell
If I told my college freshman self what I’ve experienced over the past four years, she probably wouldn’t have believed the things I told her. She wouldn’t have expected that God would lead her on the incredible path that she is traveling now. I am about to embark on my final semester in college. Everyone’s college experience is different, but I am so happy that I attended a Christian university, simply because I wanted to grow spiritually as well as academically and socially. I can proudly say that I have enjoyed my college years, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life when the time comes. For now, I want to reflect on and share with you my top five things that I have gained from my four years attending university.
1. I’ve made closer friendships than I ever thought possible. Proverbs 18:24: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” There is something to be said of finding people of like faith. When I found my crew of best friends through college, I found the friends whom I know I’ll stay in contact with for a lifetime. Not only do we all share meals and movie nights, but we also hold Bible studies, and we can discuss deeper spiritual issues. These things have brought us so much closer, and if you can find the same, you will be able to benefit so much from it.
2. I’ve learned to keep my standards high when it comes to relationships. Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” I have learned that there is no reason to pursue a relationship with anyone you do not completely trust. Also, I have seen the good that comes from men pursuing women and establishing leadership spiritually as well as in other aspects. I feel that if the man leads in the relationship in the beginning, they will eventually be able to lead the household. Godly men and women do exist, and it takes patience to wait for the right one for you.
3. I’ve discovered the value in personal daily Bible study. Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” I‘m thankful that I attend a university that holds daily chapel for its students. However, I’ve grown the most spiritually from keeping a habit that I’ve formed and established since before I started college—daily Bible reading. I gain so much from personal Bible study and seeing where my reading of God’s Word takes me each day. I’ve found that reading the Bible has helped me keep God and His promises at the forefront of my mind, which is important since college life can be stressful at times.
4. I’ve learned that social media is a powerful thing, especially at my age. Matthew 7:12: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Social media has the ability to both encourage and discourage us. In college, I’ve used social media platforms to keep in touch with friends and family, and I’ve also used it to keep track of on-campus events and activities. While social media can be a great means to reach out to peers, it must be used with discretion, and with the foreknowledge that a real person is behind each status update on a newsfeed.
5. I’ve learned that staying in touch with family can and will keep you sane. Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” During the school week, when I’m stressed out or just want to chat, I’ve found that calling home helps out a whole lot. Calling home also helps my parents, too, since I’m two and a half hours away from them. Those quick minutes on my cell phone during the day or night can make all the difference and put both my family and me at ease.
Since I’ve been at college, I’ve learned these various things and more with the Lord’s help. Along with these, there is one lesson I’ve learned that reaches beyond anything I’ll ever learn in the classroom. I’ve learned to keep maintaining my relationship with God as my ultimate goal. No matter where I go after graduation, or what I experience in my last semester of university, this will help me the most.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
 
This article was featured in the February 2014 issue of Think Magazine. Print or download this article here.