Basketball, students versus staff. Candlelight. Gift bags. Music. Nachos. Personalized encouragement notes. Worship. Bonfires. God’s word. Study reviews. Advice from professors. Did I mention, nachos??
“Do you all really do this more than once a year?!”
This was the reaction of one first year student who voiced how encouraged and impressed she was to be a part of last week’s Institute for GOD Finals Kick-Off party to close out Fall Term I. It’s been 20 years of Institute staff prioritizing serving our students to close out classes and prepare for final exams. From the early years of 'Midnyt Breakfast' to our now current “Finals Kick-Off Party”, it's been a favorite of traditions on our campus!
Why a party, you ask?!
Isn’t finals week one of the most stressful times of the semester for most college students? For a typical college experience, I would have to agree. In fact, you can find numerous studies and articles that support that higher levels of stress are anticipated during college finals. But here at the Institute, we have made it a tradition to celebrate our students, acknowledge how present God is in these seasons and model service for our students service by leadership so students can learn from their example and feel their support. From our faculty, mentors, staff and even our school president, Gregg Garner, who started this important tradition, we take pause alongside students for an event that puts final exams into a holy perspective.
The Institute for GOD Finals Kick-Off Party
It is a time for students to pause before the Lord and give thanks for the incredible opportunity they have to learn God’s word. It is a time to showcase what they have learned in their classes, not simply regurgitate information to secure a good grade. It is a time for them to recognize, they are on this journey with like-minded people and they can finish strong!As a college community, we want our students to feel celebrated in their decision to prioritize learning God’s word. They are spending their most energetic years of life learning from Jesus and this is commendable! Who wouldn't want to celebrate that?!
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