Faith Meets Life: Figuring out Fanshawe for new and old students

Welcome, or welcome back, to Fanshawe. As you get (back) into college life, it might be good to consider that the first weeks can set the tone for the rest of your school year.

During orientation and afterwards, students can choose to take advantage of the many services of the college, focus on social networking or indulge in party activities. Especially if you are in residence, the opportunities for “good times” will be many and there will be plenty of chances for new experiences in the noble pursuit of “self-expression.”

Not to assume that every student entering the college halls this August is bent on maximum indulgence, but in case there are a few, you might consider whether that major hangover looming ahead is really worth it. And, for what they are worth: a few tips that may not, but might, be helpful to you.

First, especially if you are from some distance away, take the time to stay in touch with your family. Even parents, guardians and siblings in not-so-great families usually get a lift when someone emails to say, “I'm doing ok.” And who knows, you will likely need them at some future point in life. If your family was a happy place to be, consider that yours probably misses you. If you are still living with your family, well, do let them in on how the college experience is shaping up for you.

Second, get to know the locations of student counseling, the Student Union and other services. Counsellors, as well as teaching staff of the college, want you (most days) to succeed. They are there, not only to fill your already great mind with helpful information, but also to help you make good choices regarding careers or other areas of life that may be impacted by your learning.

Third, when you get a chance, stop in at the chaplain's office. You are likely to find that Francois and the other people on deck are caring people who can listen to you about different situations you may find yourself in. Issues of compatibility with certain courses or teachers, relationship dilemmas, stresses related to being in a new country if you are a recent immigrant, residency and housing problems, or simply the need for a listening ear and friendship — these are areas the chaplains' office can help with.

Staff at the chaplains' office will have a take on life that definitely includes God, prayer, faith and the search for justice and compassion. They will take extra time to provide positive and friendly support to you and connect you with other students who may share your interests. In this way, the place and its people are unique. I hope you'll stop in!

Michael Veenema was a Fanshawe chaplain for nine years. Since 2004 he and his family have been living in Nova Scotia. He has good memories of the chaplains' office and the students he met there.

Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.