2 Things to Remember in your First Year of College

The first year of college is one of life’s biggest transitions. Moving out for the first time, learning how to do laundry, making new friends, and an intense homework load are all major adjustments that must be made. The BACC’s campus ministry is aware of this difficult transition and works hard to help students succeed academically, spiritually and emotionally.

God uses transitions as opportunities for growth. When we are out of our comfort zone, God knows it can teach us to rely on him and on other people. There are many other helpful and powerful biblical principles God will attempt to help us learn during college. The BACC does a great job of teaching campus students how to enjoy the process of learning by way of conversations, resources, and special events such as our upcoming Fall campus retreat.

The following are two great principles we’ve learned as an example.

1. Weakness is a strength

Learn how to rely on other people. Be okay with communicating your weaknesses and asking for help. The ability to know your limits and the willingness to ask for help are strengths, not weaknesses. God can actually work more powerfully through our weaknesses.

“My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I will brag even more about my weaknesses in order that Christ’s power will live in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

When we are in touch with and admit our weaknesses we are more inclined to pray. Prayer is a source of strength and power. Prayer also helps us overcome anxiety and worry common in the performance driven environment of college.

Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.

Philippians 4:6

2. What drives you matters.

Everyone is driven by something and ultimately, what drives you will influence your behavior. Most students are not in touch with what really drives them. The desire to get good grades and graduate with a degree is an obvious driving force. However, there are often deeper less obvious driving forces.

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

Proverbs 20:5

The need for approval, the fear of intimacy, anger, unhealed emotional wounds, are deep waters. Some students find it hard to believe that other forces like greed, the need to be in control or the fear of failure are driving them. Most of us have multiple driving forces. Those that do not understand what drives them risk finding themselves living in regret from unhealthy behavior they cannot explain but has altered their life.

The campus ministry at the BACC wants every student to enjoy a healthy and successful college experience. That includes having fun, building lasting memories and leaving college with great friendships and the tools to be successful as they start a new chapter in their lives.

You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.

Ecclesiastes 11:9