Community & Belonging with Jamie

Transcript

Let’s meet Jamie, a senior strategic communication major from Indianapolis, Indiana. IWU’s close-knit Christ-centered community has been the center of Jamie’s experience. From his time as a resident assistant to leading a student-led fundraising group, he has found belonging and purpose and friendships, mentorships, and service. Tell us all about it, Jamie. Take it away.

– Alex, thank you so much for the introduction. Growing up in the hustle and bustle of a major city, finding a university with a warm, Christ-centered academic community was a top priority for me. When I stepped foot in the student center at Indiana Wesleyan University, I knew this was a place that I would call home. From conversations over coffee to attending campus events, it’s the people I get to do life with that make the IWU campus community feel special. As a former RA, I created a culture of fun and hospitality in my unit. We shared meals, made memories, and showed up for each other when it mattered. Beyond the residence halls, there are several ways to get involved and engage with other students. The Student Activities Council and many other groups across campus host events making it easy for students to connect. There’s also Ignite, our student-led fundraising organization, which gives us a chance to look beyond ourselves and serve the surrounding communities. As the current leader of Ignite, I work with my classmates and professors to raise thousands of dollars each year to support pediatric healthcare. In my time here, I’ve met people who feel like family in and outside of the classroom. IWU is a friendly melting pot of people from across the globe with unique experiences, but at our core, we’re bold about our desire to love Jesus Christ and become more like Him. There’s intentional focus on mentorship, small groups, and prayer, which creates an authentic faith-based culture where students feel seen and supported. At IWU, I’ve learned so much about myself and built meaningful friendships that feel like family. What I expected to be just another college campus in the middle of Indiana became the landmark of my story, shaping me into a leader and preparing me for my future career. But that’s enough for me. Back to you, Alex.

– Well done, Jamie. Your story shows exactly why IWU feels like home. This is clearly a community where students are known, supported, inspired to love, and serve like Christ, and equipped for their future careers. Wonderful job on your fundraising efforts to serve your local community. Keep up the amazing work, Jamie. Thanks again.