Students Arrive Back on Campus for a New Semester

As the Christmas decorations come down and students fly in, Union is gearing up for a new semester. Some flights were delayed due to poor weather conditions, but many students arrived a few days before the completion of break, giving themselves time to settle in and readjust to the student mindset, as well as the addition of snow! Some new students have also made their debut on campus and have been invited to participate in the library’s activities which will help to acquaint them with a grasp of the Union culture and experience. 

Student’s emails have been filled yet again, advertising cinnamon rolls in the Rees Hall lobby, Monday prayer sessions, late night volleyball and basketball, the connect group schedule, and sign ups for Heart Scan. A help desk was set up in the Dick Building to assist students in finding classes the first couple of days this week. Many students have also shifted majors as well, as is typical of the new semester. 

Though the snowfall was rather anticlimactic, the roads and sidewalks are still susceptible to being slippery, and students are encouraged to exercise caution when driving and navigating the newly frozen world outside. It has also been helpful to bundle up when leaving indoors. 

On Thursday, students are required to attend this week’s uGather, which will focus on Campus Ministries and welcoming everyone back to Union. 

Throughout the week and as everyone becomes familiar yet again with the flow of life on campus, some students have shared verses that they believe are enlightening for this new start. 

Adelle Hall and Daniel Morton both suggested Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Shanti Slater mentioned the Lord’s prayer: “This, then, is how you should pray ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” 

Students can feel rejuvenated by the break and hurl themselves into their classes while the new ones coming in can appreciate what Union has to offer and also get acclimated to their classes.

by Jenna Wilson