A Different Experience

“College is the best time of your life. When else are your parents going to spend several thousand dollars a year just for you to go to a strange town and get drunk every night?” 

― David Wood

     This is the permeating attitude at UVA.  Yes, we take our academics seriously.  But here, you work hard and party harder.  Or at least, most of them do!  Last year, I was one of those students.  I transferred here, and I knew maybe 2 people total.  I was uncomfortable and out of my element, and I wanted to fit in.  I thought this was the only way to do that.  So I went to frat parties.  I danced with people I didn't know, drank to "mellow out" and STILL didn't have a good time.  The rooms were too crowded, to loud, and I was crammed in with hundreds of other people pretending to have a good time.  But that's what everyone does, right?  That's what the whole college experience is supposed to be like!  It's all just a big show, and no one really cares.

     Coming back this year, that was my expectation.  I got some pretty awful news right before my 21st birthday.  I got sick last fall, and had to be put on medications... and because of those medications, I am no longer allowed to drink.  The first thing that crossed my mind was how on EARTH am I going to fit in at UVA of all places without drinking?! So, I was filled with dread about coming back to school - now how was I going to make it through all those awkward parties?  I was determined that the only way it was going to work was for me to not go to the parties - or I would end up with a drink or two and regret it for days.  So I just stayed in my room.  About a week into the semester, my roommate told me she was going to a party - did I want to come?  Naturally, I decline, images of last year's parties flashing through my mind - there was NO WAY i was going through that again.  But she pushed a little harder, so I replied that I don't really party much.  I don't drink, so I feel like partying is just not worth it to me!  She assured me that there wasn't going to be alcohol at the party.  So i begrudgingly gave in and walked to the party with her.  As we walked up to the house, I could hear the loud music, but there was no permeating smell of alcohol mixed with sweat.  Ok, so far so good.  I was still determined I was going to leave early, and go home miserable and alone not having met a single friend.  

     We got inside the house, and the place was crowded! SO many people! And they were all dressed in Christmas clothes - it was August - so naturally, I thought it was weird.  I mean, who does that? But then I found out, it was a Christian Fellowship. (WHAT had I gotten myself into?!) But they all had smiles plastered on their faces.  One welcoming face came up to me and introduced herself.  She asked the typical questions - what year are you? are you new here? And I answered them all.  Then she asked me what I like to do in my spare time (and yes, I know I'm unusual) but I like to plan weddings, so I told her.  Instantly, she changed! She got really really excited and started looking around, asking for someone I didn't know! I HAD to meet this girl! So I followed, her, wondering what I had gotten myself into! So she finally found the girl and introduced us.  The first few minutes were a little awkward, but we discovered we had a lot in common! So we exchanged phone numbers.  And we started hanging out, and she introduced me to her friends - all of them really strong Christians.  And their regular, everyday conversations were Christ-centered.  I was so not used to this, but I loved it! And I wanted to be as strong as they are.  They invited me to come to this thing they called Large Group.

     I had questions about what it was like - so I decided to go, with a little prodding of course.  And I went, and loved it! It was all about worshipping and praising God.  And I felt so alive at that moment.  When I told them how much I enjoyed it, they encouraged me to attend a small group.  And I balked at the idea - I was nervous about being around that many Christians, all stronger than myself.  But they gave me the nudge I need, so I went! And I loved it!   And then, they told me about Beach Retreat - an inexpensive trip to the Outer Banks, an opportunity to make new friends, and an overall great experience, so what did I do?        I signed up! And I went! And I loved it! I felt like a real part of a community! 

     

      So I've been tagging along with them as much as I can.  And I will entirely credit my coming to Christ to them.  If they weren't encouraging me every step of the way, I would probably feel a lot weaker.  But I'm not.  

     And I am very proud to say, I have not had a drink since school started.  I have no desire to go out and get a thrill by being drunk.  I don't want to be around drugs, and other unhealthy "recreational" ideas people here seem to have.  But, I have spent every minute here completely, 100% happy! I am making this college experience so different from that typical experience David Wood describes.  My typical week is church on Sunday, classes and homework all day Monday, studying and small group on Tuesday, classes and Large Group on Wednesday, early class homework and Bible Study on Thursday, class and meetings on Friday, and hanging out on Saturday.  And I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.  In fact, I think the other people are missing out on what I have.  I have found a truly fulfilling relationship in Jesus Christ, with real, true, non-superficial friendships.  I want everyone to feel how I feel!!  

     So, pass the word on! Your college experience doesn't have to be filled with partying to be enjoyable!