Christian Student Fellowship. My safe place in Kentucky. My family. My people. My home away from home.

When leaving home for college it can be really scary because you're in a new place, not knowing many people, and may start to feel a little lost. Over time, you meet new people, join clubs, and find where you belong. For me, that's CSF. It definitely wasn't a group that I immediately joined the first day of freshman year, but I eventually found my way.

The thing I love most is the community where you feel like a family. You meet people who don't care what you look like, act like, dress like. They care about your heart and care about leading you to form a stronger relationship with Christ. They are there to cheer you on during your hardest battles, comfort you during your lowest points, and love you through life. I have never been one to be open about my feelings, my religious beliefs, my relationship with the Gospel but being at CSF, changed that. I didn't feel even the slightest glimpse of judgment when I started to speak my heart and ask questions about His word. I wasn't ridiculed, I wasn't made fun of - I was accepted with open arms. There aren't many places where I've felt that way where I was completely welcomed. But there, I was.

During my time at CSF, I've met the most amazing people and had the most incredible experiences. Attending fall retreat, I got to witness several people giving their lives to the Lord. Attending Synergy worship on Thursdays, I got to witness students singing praise to our God with loud voices. Attending Dirty Laundry, a CSF tradition where volunteers come forth to share the stories of their walk with the Lord, I got to witness my friends lay it all at his feet and put their trust in Him. Attending any event, I got to witness the pure love of Jesus Christ and feel His presence in the room. I can truthfully say, CSF changed my life for the better. I may not have all the answers and I may still be figuring things out, but I know that the family that I've met at CSF will be there every step of the way.

If you're looking for a place on campus to feel at home, get connected, get perspective, feel loved, grow in Christ – Christian Student Fellowship at the University of Kentucky is somewhere I recommend to you. You can start Thursdays at 8pm, I'll save you a seat :)