After arriving and meeting my RAs (Matt and Josh) my anxiety immediately started to fade. I knew at once that they would be a source of fun and encouragement over the course of the year. Apparently, my parents noticed it as well, as they both commented on how what a great first impression Matt and Josh made. I didn’t have to wait long to find out how thankful I would be for Matt and Josh over the year. Before leaving campus, my mom sternly warned me to not lose my student card. She greatly stressed how important it was and how terrible it would be to lose it. But, sure enough, on the first day of school, I realized that I had misplaced that special piece of plastic. My mother’s words were still ringing in my ears as I frantically searched all over the school. After a while I had almost given up all hope of finding it. Then, to my utmost joy, I received word, through Josh, that Matt had found it in his classroom, and was waiting to give it to me. In the midst of my delight, I informed the two of them that that they were the best RAs in the entire world.
Launch only got better from there – ice-breakers, board games, scavenger hunts, team challenges, the food drive, the Launch Olympics, and (how could I not mention it) the Mud Pit! A crazy fun first week of school that introduced me to new friends, and oriented me on what life was going to be like over the next year. It integrated me into the close knit community of Redeemer. More than that though, Launch helped me to realize that although my biological family was far away, I had a group of people that would become my new family for a while. Over the next year, I became extremely close with my dorm-mates and porch-mates and made very many incredible memories. Whether it be running shirtless through a blizzard, or making the largest blanket fort that Redeemer has ever seen, I hope that your first year at Redeemer is just as unforgettable as mine was.
Cheers!
-Scott Bandy
Editor's NOTE: The picture at the top of the article is Scott sharing a warm coffee and a laugh with his RA Matt.