The Smell of Students

Last night I spoke at the InterVarsity Chapter at my Alma mater, Wayne State University. There was something redonkulously surreal about pulling into my exact old parking spot from my undergrad over 10 years ago, walking the same path into the student center and seeing all of these familiar (yet unfamiliar) faces and buildings.

The talk went great & I felt fully in love with the students there. I had about 6 great convos with students afterwards, which is one of my favorite parts of speaking. As soon as I got home today I picked up little Ran man and we headed to Western Michigan University for student org. day, a.k.a. “Bronco Bash,” where all 32,000 students walk around campus grabbing free t-shirts, cups & pens. It was another surreal moment. Every other year -in my old position in I.V.- Bronco Bash is the day I am officially running around like a chicken with its head cut off. But this year, I was able to take it all in.

There’s something about the loudness of the music, the super tall fountain, the diversity and the smell of thousands of 18-23 years old that just makes this gals heart go pitter patter. Bronco Bash has got to be the one place every year where I feel like I’m totally in the right place in my ministry with InterVarsity because just the smell of the students makes me love them.

Now, I’ve never quite been as useless as Bronco Bash as I was this year. By the time I got there and walked 20 minutes in the hot sun to get to our booth I was so exhausted I was getting the shakes. I had one good conversation with a student & promptly felt like I was going to pass out. I put my head down on the table before my sweet hubby took one look at me & said, “I’m taking you home.”

These past two days have been such a good reminder of my passion for college students, and my calling to reach them within InterVarsity. And, consequently, my need to get a good night’s rest. Without further ado, good night all.

Grace