The sun is shining, the leaves are falling, and my heart is rejoicing. This week begins the ninth week of this semester, and I truly have to pinch myself to believe it's true. I began counting down the days till I moved far too soon, which left me impatiently waiting far too often. My time here at school has already been so good. Thinking back, nine weeks feels like an eternity, but in reality it is such a short time compared to what's awaiting me. It scares me to think of how fast time is flying; I want to make sure I remember and cherish every single moment of this experience, yet it is going so fast I can't seem to slow down this ticking clock.

When I came into college, I had no idea what to expect. By human nature, I am a worrier; but I had no idea what I should be worried about. I didn't know what my life would be like in the coming weeks, and that is what caused my mind to drown in worry. I embarked on this adventure ready for whatever the Lord had in store for me, with an open mind to wherever He would lead me. I wanted to be completely open about what church I felt the Lord calling me to. I wanted to be open with having new friends, and meeting new people. I did not want this experience to be based off of my own insecure opinions or views, but I wanted to consider the Lord in every single aspect. I wanted this experience to be His experience. I desired for His name to be glorified by the things I chose to do and the people I chose to do it with. Ultimately, I wanted a complete restart with this thing called life and I wanted my Father to be captivating the center of it. I saw no better timing than now.

That is just what I got, a restart. With only having a handful of friends to embark on this journey with me, I had the perfect opportunity to meet new people and be exactly the person I wanted to be. No one would know my past, or what I had been through to get me to the place I am in. I am Camille German, and that was a new fact to (most) everyone around me. However, this process didn't go as planned. The people were numerous, but the conversations and friendships were few. I ate lunch by myself some days. I walked to class with ear buds in not knowing a soul around me. I sat right in the middle of my lecture, hoping somebody would come near me, but they never did. I was lonely- or so I thought. Thoughts of not being good enough, or that I was not following the Lord's plans consumed my mind. I second-guessed my motives. So I began to pray. That is when reassurance filled my heart, soul, and mind. I was reminded of who I am in Jesus. I was reminded of how He loves me, and how precious I am to Him. I was reminded that I was right where He wanted me to be.

What I didn't see were the people right next to me. I didn’t see the people who were thinking and feeling the exact same as me. The boy a few seats down from me in lecture didn't have any friends either. The girl walking towards the Tiger Transit with Chick Fila in her hands was going home to eat lunch alone. The people around me were lonely too. That is when I knew that the Lord had me here for a reason, and His timing was so perfect. He allowed me to experience loneliness so I would gain understanding. He let me in on the truths of the reality around me, and gave me the privilege of loving His people like He does. He gave me avenues of conversations when I would have never spoken up myself. He let me in on the secrets most freshmen were holding behind their smiles, because He wanted them to see that it was okay to eat lunch alone some days and not always have a buddy to walk with to class. He wanted them to know that they were not alone, and He used me to help them see that. Friends, He wants to use you too.

The beginning of freshman year is a lonely time, whether you are a freshman in college or high school. It is a new world, at a new school, around hundreds (or thousands) of new people. That is where we come in: the freshmen, the sophomores, the juniors, and yes, the seniors, too. We are all a family, and the Creator of this universe loves us all. We are all called to love and adore Him, and His creation. Next time you see the newbie sitting alone, or having a bad day, speak up. Show them that you care, that you love them, and that you are willing to be their friend. After all, you have no idea what they are going through behind their forced smile, and the difference you will make. So take a stand and who knows… maybe just maybe, you will meet your new best friend.