When I first moved away to college in Greenville, NC, almost four years ago, I knew one person in town. Moving five hours away from the home I had grown comfortable with for the first eighteen years of my life, was not the easiest transition, but the little freshman inside of me was very excited.

It would be easy to walk into a season like this one and feel completely alone. I know there have been so many times when I have had seasons of loneliness, but I have also tried my hardest since I moved away to surround myself with an amazing community of people. Maybe you have been through this before or you are experiencing it now. Whether you are hiding away by yourself or in a crowd of people, these feelings can still become very overwhelming.

If you've had feelings similar to this, know that you are not alone. The enemy would want nothing more than to convince you differently, but that would be a lie. Even people who seem to have “picture perfect” friends on social media are still able to relate to these feelings (but who is going to put that as an Instagram caption?)

Also, there is no reason that you have to stay in this season. Two sayings that I have constantly been encouraged by for the past four years are: “It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay that way” and “You aren’t meant to do life alone”. Both of these hold so much truth and definitely apply if we feel this way.

There are so many opportunities to get plugged in while in college—there are clubs, associations, sports, college ministries and I mean the list could go on and on. So, don’t let the feeling of being judged stop you. We were created to be in fellowship with others, doing life together.

There are so many blessings and feelings of joy that we can so easily miss out on if we keep convincing ourselves that we are unworthy of community, or that people would not enjoy your presence in the first place. LIES, LIES, LIES. You were created with a greater purpose in this life and if you hide away, that not only limits your opportunities, but it may leave you feeling unfulfilled.

No matter what season or stage of life you are in, a community is so important. Specifically, in the few years you spend in college, surrounding yourself with a life-giving group of people is vital. These are the people who are there to let you know the grade you got on that test doesn’t define you.

Whatever sly comment someone may have said to you on the bus is false. You have so much potential, despite what you went through growing up and that you are not alone. –These are words that hold truth and power.

If you have felt this way before, currently do or know someone else who may, share these truths and a word of encouragement as well. Invest in the lives of others and let them know that they are not alone.