Students say the #best things

In April, the students found out my staff partner Dan would not be working at Ryerson in the fall. I asked the student leaders if they would put together a goodbye package for him. Little did I know, they had already something in the works, a goodbye package for him and a thank you package for me, which included personal notes and sentimental photos from a variety of students from our community. Here are a few of the #best messages I received:

“It was actually a tough year. A lot of that is thanks to you. You have challenged me in ways that I am not used to. And I have done a lot of
things that have made me uncomfortable. Things like leading a Bible Study or evangelizing to total strangers. You have also shown me that being uncomfortable is good. You have shown me that we haven’t been called to comfort, but to commitment. Through the strangeness of the past school year, I’ve grown. I am deeply grateful for the ways that you have helped me grow spiritually. I’m looking forward to next year. I’m looking forward to you challenging me more. And I’m looking forward to more tough conversations over black coffee.” – N, 4th year Engineering student

A message from Lauren (Right in the photo)

“I have enjoyed very much helping with cooking group. Thank you for inviting me and accepting me with open arms. I think it was me who was more unsure about whether or not I would be accepted for not being a Christian. However, IVCF Ryerson has been about reaching out to others in the community, making people feel a part of something and gain an understanding of each other. Thank you for letting me be part of it. Through conversations at community movies and dinners, bible study and prayer group have helped me understand your point of view too. It has been an amazing experience.” – D, Food and Nutrition alumnus (Left in the above photograph)

A message from Laura, one of my current student leaders.