Welcome Class of 2029!

Written by Elisabet Saveraid, Student Leader

Dear incoming first-years,

Welcome to UMN Twin Cities! I’m sure each and every one of you is experiencing a variety of emotions—excitement, anxiety, first-day jitters, loneliness—the list goes on and on. Or perhaps you don’t know how to describe how you’re feeling and it’s just a general sense of being completely overwhelmed. That was definitely how I felt, and however you’re feeling is completely okay. I hope that after reading this letter, you’ll have confidence in yourself to navigate these emotions, take things one day at a time, believe that things will get easier, and know how to find a supportive community to help you on campus these first couple days, weeks, and months.

For me, my first year at the University of Minnesota was not the first time I had lived away from home, however, that did not mean that my transition to college was all butterflies and rainbows. In fact, I experienced more anxiety during my first year than during the entirety of my gap year abroad. I don’t say this to scare you; I actually say this to remind you that no one “has it all together” or “isn’t as nervous as you”, no matter what their previous life experiences are.

Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM), was one major way I was able to make this big campus feel small and homey, although it was never something I expected to get involved with at college. Despite growing up involved in an ELCA congregation in St. Paul, negative encounters with religion during my gap year made me want to run away from anyone advertising their Christian community. However, I promised my older sister that I would at least check LCM out, feeling encouraged by her positive experiences with this ministry.

After stopping by the table with sparkling water and popsicles during move-in, chatting with people at the campfire, and the first Wednesday worship (pause), I was hooked. I loved the community of incredibly kind, welcoming people who were truly interested in getting to know me, listened and validated my previous religious experiences, and wanted to remind me how church “should” feel: safe and non-judgmental. There are so many different Christian groups on the UMN campus, but at LCM, I knew that it was really okay to just be me, and that no one was going to tell me that who I am is wrong. (Big props to the huge pride flag outside!)

There are a huge variety of things you can get involved with at LCM, whether you love to sing like me, are interested in community service, love Bible study (we have Bible studies starting in the Fall, including one for queer/questioning students!), or just like the quiet, peaceful vibe of worship in our beautiful sanctuary on Wednesdays at 8pm. I encourage you to try out anything that interests you, because you never know where you might find your community, whether at LCM or elsewhere on campus. And remember, God loves everyone NO exceptions!

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, and I look forward to meeting you this year!
Elisabet, saver032@umn.edu