My AU Journey began the moment I stepped foot on the University campus. I experienced this instant comfort feeling of “home.”
I don’t know if it was the lush, green, grassy front lawn that you see as you approach campus, or the over-the-top friendly and welcoming staff, or maybe the southern hospitality that graced the entire school. But I know for certain that Anderson University was the school for me. I’ve grown to discover that Anderson University is such a tight-knit, Christ-centered community, full of love and acceptance. It’s a special place full of people who love as Christ has called them to and carry a smile on their face each and every day.
I am currently a rising sophomore at AU, and I have had the privilege to experience a semester and a half on campus. I have had a phenomenal experience and have loved every moment. The Lord has provided me such a beautiful community of people I get to call friends and family who challenge me in my walk with Jesus Christ and make me want to be more like Him.
Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, all AU students had to abruptly leave campus and transition to online classes, finishing the semester at home. Getting that news was hard and challenging for me, because so much changed so quickly. However, I’ve discovered that AU people don’t give up on each other, just like the body of Christ does not give up on each other. Even though face-to-face communication and being physically present in other’s lives has somewhat disappeared at the current moment (because of stay-at-home orders and social-distancing requirements), I’ve noticed the art of intentionality bloom as students eagerly invest in one another lives in more creative ways.
I’m learning in this time that it’s the little things in life that matter the most (ex. a handwritten letter, a Door Dash delivery, an out-of-the-blue FaceTime call, a family dinner, or a fresh brewed cup of coffee). Life is beautiful, even in what seems like the worst of times. We have a heavenly Father who holds our lives in His mighty hands and watches over us day after day.
Today, home for Anderson students may not look the same, however this is the perfect time to abide in Christ and make our home in Him.
Ashley Kate Miller is a sophomore studying in the College of Arts and Sciences, pursuing a degree in Communications-Digital Media. She’s from Raleigh, North Carolina. Want to share your AU Journey? Click here to learn how.