A letter from President Phipps
As I thought about this magazine’s “experts” feature, I considered what it would mean for us as educators, parents, friends and benefactors to become experts in understanding and supporting college students in their educational journey. While I wouldn’t claim to be an expert, I have discovered throughout my tenure as an educator and college administrator that there are many ways to make a difference in the lives of college students.
8 ways to make a difference in students’ lives
- Listen to and learn from them.
One of the greatest gifts we can give is to lay down our devices and listen to students with our full attention. In the process, we often learn and are changed. From students, I’ve gained knowledge about many aspects of life, including various cultures and cuisines. International students and I have bonded over cooking as they have generously taught me how to prepare their favorite meals.
- Share your pet—seriously!
Since my husband, Kelly, and I adopted our daughter Brooke’s rescue dog, Larry, he has become somewhat of a campus celebrity. I’ve realized how important pets are to the students’ wellness and happiness. Students who stop by the Engle Center for Counseling and Health Services can visit with one of the dogs that is available during business hours.
- Cheer them on and offer support.
We learn to understand students by showing up and supporting them in the pursuits that energize them—athletic, artistic, theatrical, musical, service or research-oriented.
- Feed them pizza.
Or offer them a white mocha frappuccino with a shot of espresso (which Starbucks reports is college students’ favorite drink on campuses in the Northeast). During casual Pizza with the Prez evenings in residence halls and dinners at Orchard Hill, students share with me what’s on their minds and what’s happening in their lives. At your church or in your community, you can look for opportunities to extend hospitality to college students.
- Invest in them.
Each year, your generous gifts through the Messiah Fund make every facet of students’ education possible. I’m also encouraged by alumni who have established endowed scholarships that will continue to support college students for generations to come.
- Laugh with them.
When we share the gifts of authentic laughter and conversation with college students, our brains not only release endorphins—or “feel-good hormones”—but also laughter helps us all to keep our life and work or studies in perspective.
- Seek understanding.
You can learn about the challenges and opportunities facing this generation by reading books such as “Gen Z goes to College” by Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace, or “Gen Z: The Culture, Beliefs and Motivations Shaping the Next Generation” by Barna Group.
- Pray for them.
College students face many pressures during this time of life. You can support the college students in your life by praying often for them—whether they are just starting their college career or returning to college after a gap year or a time in the workforce. Pray that they experience God’s guidance and peace as they rigorously pursue their academic studies.
I’m grateful that Messiah College intentionally nurtures students’ holistic success. We are currently designing a plan to better integrate the resources we provide for students’ intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional development. College students are the rising generation of servants, leaders and reconcilers in church and society. Let’s seek to become “experts” in making a lasting difference their lives.