This is your time to shine! Perhaps you have spent months or even years waiting for the moment where you would open the door and come face to face with your fresh start: complete with the finely crafted version of the person you want to be. With your first step outside, you may have even inhaled the warm aroma of making decisions, exquisitely mixed with hints of nervousness weaving its way through you. Whether this is your first year at Belmont or perhaps you are taking a 5th or 6th journey around the Lawn, it’s my hope that within this blog, you find nuggets of wisdom that you didn’t even know you needed!
As you are walking through your own journey, you will no doubt have moments where you need to sit down and set a vision for yourself. Sometimes we have to inspire ourselves to be great! Its official, we are already halfway through the fall semester and hopefully you are starting to find your rhythm. What is one thing you want to have accomplished by the end of this week, month, or even year? It is so critical that we set tangible goals for ourselves. Maybe for you, it’s taking the time in the midst of your many tasks and assignments, to prioritize self-care. That could look like going to the gym, watching a movie, painting, singing a song – though if you are like me, it wouldn’t quite be a “joyful noise” (we all have our strengths). You could happen to meet a life-long friend, or at least someone who has similar interests.
As you navigate your time at Belmont, you will need sources of support to walk with you in times of struggle, to join with you in your joy and to celebrate your successes. Too often we are running around, unstoppable. But have you taken the time to stop and take count of all that is around you. You never know who you may have passed by in the midst of the busyness. Take time to invest in the moment. Perhaps your newest best friend – also known as your roommate – is just waiting for you to make the first step, ask a question, listen, and most importantly show them that you care. Not many people love a Casper – ya know, the friendly ghost! With so many opportunities to get connected to a larger community here, there are organizations and groups on campus that are waiting just for YOU!
Erica Njoku, Assistant Director of Student Engagement