Home Away From Home

Jessica Prom is a sophomore studying Biology, with plans to pursue Pharmacy School.

The week prior to Thanksgiving last year, I received an email from Erica asking if I’d like to meet her for coffee. Little did I know, that one little email could change my life entirely. Obviously, I agreed to get coffee because I was intrigued by Erica’s kindness and by what Pres House had to offer! After our chat, Erica brought up Freshmen Small Group. She told me that they met once a week and that that year they decided to discuss different worldly topics and how they connected to the bible and to faith in general. At first, I was slightly hesitant because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to have another weekly commitment. After all, I was a first year college student, so keeping up with school, friends, and adjusting to the college lifestyle was a large enough task in and of itself. However, I told her I’d definitely consider it, and as Thursday night rolled around the next week, I found myself walking out of my dorm and into Pres House, immediately greeted by friendly faces eager and willing to let me join a group that had already been established.

From that point on, I knew I was going to enjoy my time here at Pres House. Freshman Small Group became a part of my weekly routine, and I looked forward to it each and every time. It was such a safe place to voice my opinions, concerns, and feelings, whether it was regarding current events, bible passages, or even my daily life. Each member of the group brought all of who they were, which was the sole reason why our group had as much success as it did. Not only was I able to grow in my faith, but I also made some of the best friends I’ll ever have.

I would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone and everyone join a small group. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new things, and have a new outlet to express yourself. Knowing that you have a group of people looking out for you, caring about you, and praying for you is sometimes all the reassurance you need. It was a very uplifting journey that I’m so grateful to have been a part of. Besides, you never know when you might find your home away from home.

I know I sure did.