What is Chi Alpha? Chi Alpha is sometimes also referred to as XA is a Christian ministry for college students. Chi Alpha's motto is: "Every student goes, every student gives, every student prays, and every student welcomes." I ultimately found a family that I didn't know I was looking for, a family who welcomed me with open arms. Last semester, I used to attend the meetings every Tuesday night and have small group on Thursday nights. But for this semester, life just got too busy with my schoolwork and work for me to go anymore. Every day, in the back of my mind I carry the Chi Alpha message with me.

When I was young I only went to church a handful of times. I didn't have any experience with God. I didn't have Bible verses memorized. I didn't listen to Christian music. I didn't do a lot of things, but when I joined XA, everything changed for me. I came into the group really lonely, sad, and lost. After the semester ended everything in my life improved. I started reading the Bible, working on devotions and focusing on myself more. I believe that there is something bigger out there than humans. I believe in the out-of-body experiences and the stories. I started to memorize verses like:

Chi Alpha was my first real church experience that I have ever had. I learned so much from the students and my peers. Each person has a different story and each person carries his or her story differently. I learned to focus on myself more, stay positive, stay motivated, be happy, live life, take risks sometimes and don't plan out my life because God has already done that part for me. Randall and Lacy are my XA parents and my peers are my brothers and sisters. I love these people because they always have something funny or positive to say especially on the days when I really need it. I always have someone to call when I need a friend to talk or rant to. I have people praying for me and I pray for them. Being involved makes me happy.

My relationship with God is improving every day and I know that He is always watching out for me and guiding me. I am blessed beyond words and completely thankful for the experiences that I have already had in just one semester of college. I am so excited for my future and I am beyond thankful for everything in my life.