March 2, 2026 by

This August, I sat in chapel, eager to hear the speaker’s message. I had waited all summer to be able to sit in these seats again in the first section in front of the stage. The lights begin to dim, and my heart overflowed with joy as we begin to praise Jesus. 

Looking around, I saw over 4,000 people surrendering their hearts before the Lord through worship. With mouths wide and hands raised, they proclaimed the name of Jesus. My gaze drifted to my friends standing next to me: the same ones who have shown me love, gone on spontaneous coffee runs, spent late nights studying, poured God’s truth into me, and did life alongside me for the past three years.  

Fixating back on the chapel band, it dawned on me: This was my last Fall Bible Conference ever. 

A Place To Call Home 

As a senior, you will constantly have moments where you realize that you are doing something for the last time. Fall Bible Conference was just the beginning of those realizations for me.   

While you’re a freshman, it feels like the day you will walk across the graduation stage to receive your diploma is far away. In reality, you are a lot closer than you think, and it will be very hard to say goodbye to a place you called home.  

I will never forget sitting in the passenger seat, nervously waiting to begin Getting Started Weekend. When we arrived on campus, I was greeted with dozens of smiling students holding signs that read, “Welcome Home!”  

Little did the young and nervous girl I was then know that I would be spending the next four years of my life here building long-lasting relationships, deepening my faith in Jesus, learning how to live on my own, and growing professionally in ways I never knew would be possible.

 

Looking Back: Growth, Faith, and Community at Cedarville 

I could spend hours looking back on all the ways I have grown while at Cedarville.  

My professors challenged me to excel in all my courses and go beyond by seeking growth opportunities.  

The Bible minor and chapel messages encouraged me to completely own my relationship with Jesus by surrendering my heart to Him. I went on a deep dive to study theology and learn how to apply it to the real world through the local church.  

My friends delighted my soul by pushing me to spend time in community, try new things, and find genuine joy in pursuing Christ alongside one another.  

At one point freshman year, I was struggling with feeling like I wasn’t enough. I started to tie my sense of self-worth to my academic and spiritual performance. A group of students from my major sat around me and led me in prayer. One by one, we all cried out to the Lord and shared the burdens on our hearts. That day taught me the true value of community and deepening friendships.  

I even grew physically by taking advantage of the recreational opportunities open to all students. I began working out regularly, joined a Zumba class, and played intramural basketball.  

I no longer recognize the freshman I once was. Each memory, chapel message, late-night conversation, and class grew me into the strong and godly woman that I am striving to be today.  

I won’t just leave Cedarville with a diploma. I will leave here with a solid community and renewed sense of purpose — to glorify the Lord through my future.  

Looking Forward: Life After Cedarville and What Comes Next 

Although I leave Cedarville with a heavy heart, I am thrilled for the life that is ahead of me.  

I spent three and a half years growing deeper in my knowledge of the Lord, and now I want to dive into my local church and the missions field. The whole goal of Cedarville is to train you for 1000 Days so that you can go be a light unto the world. It was never meant to last forever. 

I plan on using my Bible and women’s ministry minors by serving my local church. I would like to serve in children’s and women’s ministries with hopes of one day beginning a girls’ ministry. I am open to helping wherever my church may need, but I am searching to specifically utilize my Bible knowledge. 

Not only has Cedarville equipped me for ministry, but I have also been equipped professionally. I worked over five positions during my time at Cedarville and have full confidence that I will be able to serve my field well with godly integrity and excellence.  

My supervisors on campus took the time to share their wisdom with me and diligently invest in my future careers. They even sent me job hiring posts and set up workshops for me to grow.  

I know that very soon, I will be using this knowledge in the workforce, and I am so grateful for those who took the time to love me well.

  

Carrying Cedarville With Me Beyond Graduation 

Soon it will be time for my last chapel message, class, and night in the dorms. Thankfully, I will get to cherish these moments in my heart forever.  

Choosing Cedarville was a decision that I will never regret, and I am so thankful to be a part of the Cedarville family. For these last 60 days, I am excited to finish strong and love this place that I call home. 

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