Welcome Week at OBU is an interesting experience in itself. I found myself through the week wondering so many things about this place, which is my new home. Wondering if I would make friends soon, if I would love this place (as all of the Tri-W’s seemed to), if I would like my roommate, and generally speaking, how most things worked on campus. Over the week I learned pretty quickly how everything works here (thanks to all of the Tri-W’s, RA’s, and faculty). I also made friends very quickly, along with loving my new roommate, and already finding such a love for OBU.
There were many activities planned for us new Freshman during Welcome Week, after much craziness of pulling up, unpacking, and Run-In; so much yelling and screaming! Our Tri-W’s encouraged all of us to go to everything, and of course I went to everything I could possibly go to. I enjoyed everything planned, including the First Night, the small group sessions, sub-group sessions, the book study, Ka-Rip Wars (Scarlet Socialites are the winners in my heart!), Stake your State, Welcome Week Skits, Unity Gathering, See Shawnee, dinner with a professor, chapel, the Walk, Food Truck Friday, and so much more.
My small group was the best small group I could ever even imagine having, and certainly the BEST Tri-W’s. I remember one night, after the Unity Gathering, our small group met again, at our little tree that I will forever love, and none of us wanted to leave. We just sat there talking and laughing about randomness. I’m pretty positive that we were the last group to leave, and we only left because our Tri-W’s had a meeting to go to. Even then, some of us walked around together for a long time afterwards. I made so many memories with the people in my small group, and even some great friends. Our group even met after Welcome Week was over, too. That was a very fun night at our Tri-W’s apartment watching the Lego Movie and eating popcorn. Not all of the group was able to come, but the majority were there.
Probably the biggest thing that hit me during Welcome Week, was when we would worship God together, just knowing that I can now worship God at school with my classmates. Coming from a public high school, that was a huge change that made me feel great knowing that I can worship God, just about everyday, with all of these wonderful people. I love the fact that I get to integrate faith and learning now, instead of having to separate the two, as done before.
I want to thank everyone who took part in working and providing Welcome Week for us. It was a week that I will never forget. Thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcomed and a part of OBU already. Couldn’t ask for anything or anyone better. You all are wonderful people!
My verse for this semester is, “Turn your worries over to the Lord. He will keep you going. He will never let godly people fall.” Psalm 55:22 NIRV