This blog was written by Grace O., a second-year student at University College Dublin. While describing her own learnings and experiences in first year, Grace reflects on God’s loving sovereignty amidst the COVID-19 lockdown.
Here’s a little about me: I am from Wexford, I have finished my first year at UCD, and I am studying commerce international with Mandarin Chinese.
Due to the pandemic, I was stuck in the sunny southeast doing online university. Sounds like a dream, but Wexford hasn’t been living up to its name.
I came straight from secondary school to university, so the switch from school to online learning wasn’t as drastic for me as it was for some. Online class has not been the most fun, but I am so grateful to be in a position where I can study, learn and enjoy my course. There are some perks: I don’t have to run from one side of campus to another in the space of 10 minutes, I can comfortably eat (sometimes sleep!) in lectures and wear the clothes that no one can ever judge me for wearing. I still have opportunities to try out new things, spend little to no money and have the option to turn my camera off. For larger lectures that have over 100 people attending, I tend to be way too focused on how I look and what people can see rather than taking into account what the lecturer is saying. But when I turn off my webcam, I can focus attentively, take notes comfortably and remove the distraction of my appearance. And for smaller classes, the majority of us have our camera on (this gives us as much of an in-person experience as one can have on Zoom).
Of course, there are the downsides like the lack of social interaction. But this separation has allowed me to appreciate the moments when I do get to meet up with friends. I can cherish every moment and be present. Getting plugged into Christ City Church also allowed for the sense of community and creating bonds I never thought would be possible… and all without having to get properly dressed!
As a student, I had to learn to constantly give God control. I used to give everything to the Lord except my school work. I assumed that because He has so much going on (e.g. keeping the world spinning), the one thing I could ‘help’ Him manage was to get good grades and get all my work done. This led to numerous breakdowns, burnouts and immense worry. When I came to the realisation that He asks me to give Him everything, I just laughed at myself for a good 10 minutes. I like to think that God laughed too because of course He can handle it! After all, He did make the entire world and all its contents! Reading Acts 17:24 was the moment I realised that I was undermining the Lord, the Sovereign Lord who ‘gives everyone life and breath and everything else.’ Not only did this humble me, but it makes me so incredibly grateful that the Lord chose me to walk alongside Him and uses me as a vessel to complete the good works He has already prepared for me to do (Ephesians 2:10). From that moment on, I wanted to wholeheartedly give God everything. He wants everything, and in knowing and obeying that, I find true rest and freedom.
As a first-year student, I went into university blindly. I had no friends with me, but I knew I had the Lord on my side. I was at peace with entering uni in a year like this; I knew this is where He was calling me, simply because His mighty hand was upon it all. As I look back on that first year of college, I see the wonderful work of the Lord who humbled me, forced me to slow down and helped me to appreciate each season He brings me into. There are various things one should experience as a first-year that I never got the opportunity to, but the Lord has emphasised that the ultimate reason for being is to serve Him. Through each stage of life, He brings me there so that I may serve Him in the midst of it. He wants me to grow in Him, rely on Him and share about Him and all His goodness. He directs my path and each event occurs for a reason that in the end will glorify His name. The Lord has stretched me, grown me and renewed me beyond what I could’ve ever imagined.
If I was to offer any advice to incoming first-years, I would say:
- Take that leap of faith. I never would’ve thought one simple Instagram message to the UCDCU (University College Dublin Christian Union) would have blessed me so immensely. Through the Christian Union, I have met so many incredible people, found a good church and discovered new, innovative other ways to serve even during a pandemic. We are called to be in fellowship with one another and have a community. Jesus himself did not walk alone, so if Jesus had community, how much more do we need it? The first step is always the hardest, regardless if you are a proactive person or love to get involved. When you take that step of faith, you’ll find that the Lord can bless you in more ways you could have even imagined. You don’t want to look back on your life and see that you allowed fear to dominate you and prevent you from taking chances. Fear is not the Spirit of the Lord (2 Timothy 1:7) Say yes; take each opportunity (within reason) to grow, expand, serve the Lord and enjoy life. We aren’t here for a long time, and university is not going to last forever.
- Gratitude. I’m big on asking the question ‘What are you grateful for?’ because there is always something to be grateful for. We students were all stripped of the basic social interaction and forced to adapt. Yet seeing how God allowed me to still get an education and grow deeper in my relationship with Him in the midst of a pandemic leaves me with no other choice than to show Him my thankfulness and praise. How you react to situations shows Christ within you, so does your response to situations glorify God or yourself? Regardless of whether lectures are in-person or online, if you don’t get into your dream university course or you don’t get along with your roommates, we can find the good in every situation because we serve a God of order. He has placed each and every one of us where we are for a specific reason, according to His will (Ephesians 1:11). He had ordained your life even before you were born (Psalm 139:16). Nothing is by accident or coincidence, so try to step back and see what the Lord is teaching you through each and every situation.
- Let go of your expectations. Let go of all the expectations you once had of what uni life will be like. The pandemic has turned everyone’s life upside down, and the upcoming operation of college is still up in the air. It will not be like what we hoped for; there will be adjustments. Go into this new stage of life without your personal expectations because if the reality does not match these, then you will be left with disappointment. Instead, step into this new chapter with the joyful knowledge that this is where the Lord has placed you! He will help us to utilise each and every opportunity (Romans 8:28).
Thanks for reading,
Grace O