4 years

I recently saw a promo for Salem College and it asked, “How will I change the world?”  The response was “I don’t know.  But I know where I will begin.”  Do you ever stop to think about where you began?

4 years ago I stepped in as Director for Emmaus.  Over the years I have been able to make and cherish relationships with so many of you.  I knew little of rolling the quad (your own quad!?!), or of Salem traditions, or Shag-on-the-what-now?  But I learned from each of you.  And I learned with you.  For graduating seniors, this is an especially tender moment as I can recall moments from your first days to laughing and celebrating with you in these final months at school.

We can’t possibly know what these years at college will do in us when we first arrive.  4 years ago, I was trying to figure out how I could possibly learn all your names.  4 years ago, you were probably thinking “Wooohoooo!  College!!!”  And that probably became “I can’t wait to be done!”  And now I’m sure there’s a new thought: “I’m not ready to leave!”

Student, you aren’t meant to tarry too long in these formative years (sniff, sniff).  Instead you are meant to capture every ounce of insight, companionship, joy, the occasional sports victory, the late night milkshake runs, romantic crushes and career preparation as well as the mistakes we learned from and the desire to grow as pilgrims on the journey.  We at Emmaus have done our part to prepare you but the road ahead is one Christ — the pioneer and perfecter of faith — is eager to meet you on.  And that’s really where you begin… and why we will rejoice when we think of you.