Hi everyone:

I had the MOST fun this afternoon. My colleagues and I got to do a “meet and greet” for incoming freshmen.

Their wide-eyed looks, frozen silence, and unabashed youthfulness were charming. They sat silently during our informal presentation. Two of them were accompanied by parents. Here were about 20 young people, standing (or, in their case, sitting) on the brink of their adulthood.

It was so exciting to me, as a faculty member, to give them some college success tips and share what our school within the university was all about.

When we broke up into smaller groups, we had the chance to find out about their hopes, their dreams, their aspirations. What fun! I pray that these young people, like thousands of other students spread out across the campus, will find God’s will for their lives and do it. There is no greater joy than to find out what God wants you to do for Him and then work hard so that you can do it.

I remember my own calling to become a college professor. I was standing in Dr. Klumpps’ COM451 class, talking to a graduate student (I was a junior but it was a bridge class that also had graduate students). As I stood there, I turned and looked at the row of desks that had students waiting for the class to begin. I heard a voice saying, “This is is what I have for you, my daughter.” I knew the Lord was giving me the work He had for me to do.

Some people get a calling to go on the foreign mission field. I applaud their dedication and willingness to go to other lands and cultures. But my calling, no less important, is to minister to students. I praise the Lord for that opportunity and ministry.

So, welcome, freshmen. I wish you well.

Best,

Dr. Sheri