My name is Anna, and I am a rising sophomore at UA! Unfortunately, my freshman year at UA wasn’t the easiest. During the fall semester, I called my mom at least once a week crying and telling her I didn’t want to be here. On Monday nights I went to Freshman Journey Groups at the BCM, but that was the only thing that I participated in at the time. (My schedule prevented me from participating in other things.) I was constantly praying about staying at UA, being on BCM leadership, and finding community.
Towards the end of the fall semester, as the BCM began to plan for the leadership team for the following year I knew I wanted to serve, lead, and get plugged in at a deeper level. People around me encouraged me to apply, and I loved the idea of getting to encourage future freshmen. Even as I applied, I told myself that I was going to use this as a guide on whether to stay at UA. I went for my interview and later that week I got a message that I would be a Journey Group Leader. I was overwhelmed with joy because I knew where God was calling me, and I just felt a lot of clarity. My prayer about leadership had been answered, and now my prayer about staying at UA was also answered.
During the spring semester, I got to lead a Journey Group alongside two other girls about anxiety. My schedule also allowed me to get involved more. Through the BCM my prayer for community was answered. It took me a little while, but I found a church in Tuscaloosa as well. I have been able to meet so many kind and loving people, and I have the sweetest friends. Finding community took time, and that’s okay. My freshman year wasn’t perfect, and that’s okay. Through all the hard days, all the hard times, and even the loneliness, I rested in God and found hope and peace that I was not alone. As the spring semester ended, I was ready to be with my family and my dogs, but, at the same time, I didn’t like saying goodbye to my friends for 3 months. Looking at the way God has worked in my life in college through the BCM brings me so much joy.
I want to encourage you today with Colossians 1:17; it says, “And he is before all things and in him, all things hold together.” Even in the moments when I get overwhelmed and feel like my world is ending, God has gone before it and is holding it together. I pray that you can rest and find peace knowing that you are not alone and that you have a God that loves you.
Anna Fritschi | Sophomore | Birmingham, AL | @annae_fritschi