Intermediate Point

Halfway through Uni, and what do I have to say for myself?

That’s right, I’ve just passed the halfway mark on my adventure through the unknowns of university life. Results have come in and… I’m rather happy with what I’ve achieved so far academically, but then again, anyone who’s been to university will be able to tell you, that’s one small part of what you’ll get up to you whilst you’re there!

Being a 2nd year Maths student at the University of Southampton has it’s perks and challenges just like any other degree, but over this past year, on top of my degree I’ve been able to focus on getting involved in a load of other stuff that has given me such a wide perspective into so many different areas of university life.

Sports Teams

I’d definitely recommend trying to get involved in a sports team when going to Uni, especially in either your first or second year. Being part of the Swimming Club and the Triathlon Club this year has opened me up to getting to know some great friends, whilst also doing some of the sports I love as well!

Even if you’re not great at many sports, most universities will have something for everyone, and what’s not to like about being part of a team where you can stay fit and get to make new friends! I also had the opportunity this year of being part of the Archery Club and taking the course, which I must admit is pretty awesome!

Societies

Similarly there’s a society out there which will definitely take your interest if you look hard enough! I loved joining the Sign Language Society for the past couple of years, getting free professional BSL classes and getting to chat with like-minded people.

Also getting to be part of SUSUtv and Surge Radio I’ve had the opportunity to present on live University TV and even have my own radio show!

Being a Christian I also leaped at the idea of joining the Christian Union and set it as a priority for me to get involved as soon as I had joined the university. The Christian Union is where I have made some of my closest friends and they, together with everyone else, have helped me in my journey of faith development over the past few years.

Text a Toastie

I’ve mentioned about Text a Toastie before, but I must admit, it’s such a great idea! The past few weeks after our Events week with the Christian Union have marked the end of my leadership over Text a Toastie team and It has been such a pleasure to pass it on to the new leaders who I hope will carry it on with the same passion and enthusiasm that has been before them. I’ve been able to put together a video advertising what we actually get up to when people text in but it has been so encouraging working with some incredible evangelists!

As I look forward to the future and on into 3rd year I would appreciate your prayers as I continue to seek God’s guidance in my life and what to do after graduation.

But now, God’s Message:…
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Saviour.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.

“So don’t be afraid: I’m with you.
I’ll round up all your scattered children,
pull them in from east and west.
I’ll send orders north and south:
‘Send them back.
Return my sons from distant lands,
my daughters from faraway places.
I want them back, every last one who bears my name,
every man, woman, and child
Whom I created for my glory,
yes, personally formed and made each one.’”

Isaiah 43:1-7 MSG