When I first began considering colleges to attend after high school, I looked into things pertaining to the school itself. How big are the class sizes? Is it private or public? What are the dorms like? I got caught up in the specifics of the school itself, and paid next to no attention to the town surrounding it. I finally began thinking of the area around my school on my first visit to Campbellsville University. The drive was scenic, with lots of stretching expanses of farmland to gawk at. However, once we got into Campbellsville itself, it seemed so cramped. There were too many stores and too many restaurants shoved in too small of a place. The University itself is the highlight of the town—other than bountiful fast food eateries and the movie theatre, it didn’t seem like there was too much to do.

Within my first week there I was also struck with the realization that everything closed so early: 6 o’ clock, 8 o’ clock, 10 o’ clock! How was I expected to tear up the town as college students do when the town shuts down by 10? I was getting caught up in the small details and my appreciation for Campbellsville was depleting; that is, until I discovered the true gifts that this small, quiet town had to offer.

I began attending church at The Vineyard. I was nearly overwhelmed by how genuine the worship was, how kind the people were, and how influential the sermon was. I left feeling more spiritually fulfilled than I had in ages. I met several wonderful souls who push me to pick up my cross daily and seek God in all that I can. I’ve never known a more spirited church that welcomes all with open arms and Harden coffee, but I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of one now.

Speaking of Harden coffee, it’s another place in Campbellsville that holds a warm place in my heart. Not only is their coffee the liquid equivalent of love itself, but walking into the building feels like coming home. Every Tuesday I find myself perched in the window overlooking downtown, sipping on my coffee and indulging in the sight of the clouds moving languidly across the sky. Something about that small, lovely coffee shop brings out my introspection, and I often find myself pondering on life and where God is directing my future. It’s the sort of place that makes me realize all I wish for in life is to be content and satisfied—nothing more.

Though not offered by the town itself, it is home to many incredible people. People that make me feel like my life is a movie and I’m living in the highlight reel. People who make my college experience into everything I thought it was going to be. My people. I’ve always wished to be surrounded by people who enjoy late-night car rides and conversations about nothing yet everything, and that wish has been long since fulfilled. I’ve made the sort of friends that I’m comfortable with coming into my dorm whenever they want to, which is saying a lot because I’m an introvert and typically want to have my space. Though Campbellsville has gifted me with many things that make my heart sing, my incredible friends are what truly have made my first semester at college the best time of my life.

I’ve always thought of myself as a small town soul, and the time I’ve spent in Campbellsville, Kentucky has only worked to reaffirm that. What I wanted was a small, private, Christian university, and I got that and so, so much more. I’ve received memories that will last me a lifetime, a foundation on which I wish to continue to build myself on, and friends that I will carry with me beyond this life. For all these things and more, I am incredibly thankful, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect beginning half to my Freshman year. Cheers to the next 3 ½ ahead of me.