Who’s going to know my name? Who’s going to know my story?
These were the questions that weighed heavy on my heart in the months leading up to my transition to Indiana Wesleyan. Growing up in a small, rural community, people knew who I was. Since I was involved in a lot of extra-curricular activities, people knew my name. Even more importantly, I had people in my life who knew my story. I had friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors who had become family. That was home to me, and it was difficult to watch the “Welcome to Greentown” sign fade in the rear view mirror as I moved to a new place where people didn’t know my name, let alone my story.
But, little did I know, Marion would become my home. In his grace, God grew my community to include college roommates, peers, professors, community members, and church family. Marion has become such a special place to me and my soon-to-be husband (also a graduate of IWU) that we plan to reside here as we begin our married life together.
So how did Marion become home?
This kind of transition certainly didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it took me until my sophomore year to feel like I actually belonged in this community. It takes time to build new relationships and to get involved in a new community, but it is absolutely worth it. As I have reflected on my own experience transitioning to Marion, I’ve come up with four ways that helped make Marion my home. This isn’t a comprehensive list by any means, but I hope it is a helpful start for those incoming students who also want to make Marion their home.
- Find a Church Home In the Community.
You’ll hear this a lot around the IWU community, but Chapel is NOT church. Make it a priority to find a worshipping community that disciples, equips, and sends you. There are so many strong local congregations in the Marion and surrounding areas. Getting involved in a local church community can be one of the most effective ways to get connected to a new community.
- Volunteer in the Community.
There are so many opportunities to volunteer in the Marion community, and volunteering is a great way to build relationships with people outside of the IWU bubble. Here is a list of several opportunities that are great places to start: Kid’s Hope at Frances Slocum Elementary; The Grant County Rescue Mission; The Boys and Girls Club; Circles of Grant County; Youth for Christ; and The Training Center. These suggestions are just a starting point, so I encourage you to research and connect with volunteering experiences that align with your passions.
- Support Local Businesses.
Another way to make a new community feel like home is to become familiar with the local businesses in the area. It won’t take long before you hear about some of the popular local restaurants and coffee shops like The Abbey Coffee Company, The Branch, The Bridge, El Taco, Jay’s Thai, and Los Amores. Less known, but fun places to check out include Idyl Wyld (roller skating rink), Jake’s Collectibles and Antiques (for thrifty shoppers), Crest Lanes (bowling alley), and more.
- Explore Places Off-Campus.
Every student will come to a point where they need a break from campus. The good news…there are lots of places to explore in the Marion and surrounding areas. For those who love to spend time outdoors check out places like Matter Park and Ketcham Woods. If you’re a night-owl you’ll have to go on a run to Dan’s Donuts in Kokomo, IN. It’s a donut shop that opens at 1am to serve yummy, cheap donuts . Exploring off campus is a great way to give your mind a break from school work and to get to know the community around you.
I hope as you find belonging in the IWU community, that you also find belonging in the Marion community at large. I pray that as God invites you to get involved in the community that you will follow his leadings, and that over time Marion will become your home too.
