Every beginning of each year always has mixed feelings. For some it is exciting because they are moving on to the next class, meaning they are closer to graduating. Others are both enthused and sad because graduating means they have to leave a family they have grown close to and love. The ones with the most mixed emotions are probably the new students. There is the thrill of going to study, the sadness of being away from home, the anxiety of not knowing how things will be like, and the excitement of establishing new relationships. All of this is what makes every beginning special, and we are blessed to have another beginning at ACC.
The last three days have been our 2018 Orientation where we got to know how the year will look like for everyone. It was a time where we got to know each other better before classes commence. The students that have been here had a responsibility to make the new ones feel welcome and part of the family as best as they could. One should say with boldness that they outdid themselves in that. I had a talk with one student and asked him how he feels about the place so far and he replied, “I am already home. You guys have given me the best welcome and I’m looking forward to a great stay here.” This shows how our students are growing in love and servanthood, attributes that are core in the character of Christ we seek to form in everyone.
There is no running away from the fact that we have begun a period where we get ready to launch some of our students back into the world to work. It is always exciting to think about the amazing work our alumni are doing all over Africa, and that others will be joining the workforce is an icing on top. As painful as the thought of departure may be, it is, quite truly, another reason what ACC is about. In his remarks on Monday morning, President Brad Carter emphasised that we are a school that sends out not keep. This brings to mind what Jordan Wesley said is special to her about coming to teach here every year, “This is why I come to African Christian College—not for the coming, but for the going.” As we begin the year, we are, in truth, beginning a launch out, and that is exciting.
In this special year of our fifty plus one of existence, we begin a new journey of growing more into being like Christ in order to excellently serve in his kingdom. Our eyes are fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, to lead us in all we will do. We may not know the details of what the year will be like, and that is just fine. That is what makes new beginnings worth looking forward to – and we are eagerly looking forward to this academic year.