With the dawning of a new year on Asbury’s campus, new freshmen will start their time in the hallowed halls of the university. The class of 2029, the Known Class, has the Bible verse John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” Their class colors are light blue and yellow. The yellow represents that Jesus, as the shepherd, acts as the light guiding us. The blue is symbolic of the darkness that leads people astray.
The class is led by sponsors Kaitrin Boiling and Sam Omer and class advisors Jarred Miller and Emma Ortiz. Class sponsors are current seniors at the university who act as mentors for the class while class advisors are professors or members of Asbury’s administration and act as leaders for four years to the class.
When asked about her time so far with the freshman, sponsor Kaitrin Boiling said, “It has been so fun to get to know them and see their excitement and expectancy coming into this year. Having the opportunity for me to be their sponsor is truly an honor because I get to welcome them and be a friendly face they can know on campus.” There is no doubt that these students will be able to bring new life and excitement to the student body.
The advisors and sponsors are just one of many people who have worked and prayed over the students coming new this year. Resident Assistants, Spiritual Life Assistants and First Year Experience Leaders are just a few examples of others who prepared the dorms and gave the Known Class an open door to Asbury’s community.
When asked about her first few days at Asbury, freshman biology major Audrey Houchin said, “It’s been really great! I love all the people I’ve met here so far.”
For many moving away from home for the first time, there are nerves in joining an already bustling community. However, the class has jumped in without hesitation. Boiling said, “From my perspective it has been awesome to see what God is already doing in them and in this class. God has his hand on them and is already showing up, so to see all of the freshmen lean into that and be expectant for that has been a blessing.”
Part of welcoming the freshmen to campus is introducing them to the traditions that make Asbury so special. When asked about chapel, Houchin replied, “Chapel was so good. I especially loved all the music as that’s a huge part of my spiritual life. The message was also super encouraging so I’m excited to hear more.”
While the new year starts, it can sometimes be hard for students to get into a rhythm that works for them. As a hope for the incoming students, Boiling added, “We want the Known class to have their identity rooted in God this year and be reminded that they are known and loved by him even in a place where they may not know many people yet.” As the freshmen start this new journey, it is the hope of campus that they will be able to see God’s hand and use their time here wisely.
Photo courtesy of Asbury University.
