Appreciating Where You Are

It’s strange to me that only two years ago I was a student leader at AU, because it seems like an eternity. For those of you that don’t know me, I graduated in 2013. I am currently the youth director at a wonderful urban ministry in San Francisco. I have a beautiful wife. I have everything I dreamed of. Life is amazing…but, not a day goes by that I don’t wish I was back at Anderson. It’s not Chick-Fil-A, the smell outside of Rice Hall, or the football team’s winning streak that I desire, but the community and intimacy that I had at AU.

I live in a city of one million crammed into a city the size of Anderson; therefore I rarely see a familiar face. It’s quite the transition from the valley, and not having that community is hard. I miss fourth floor Smith. I miss 10:07. I miss authenticity. I miss it all. The best four years of my life were at AU. I don’t say all of this to scare you, but instead to hopefully make you appreciate where you’re at.

Take a minute and just reflect on your time at AU thus far. The ridiculous things you did in your hall or apartment. The ups and downs of being a student leader. You are blessed, and I hope that you know that.

Justin with his good friends from AU.

I would like to think that I learned a few things during my time at AU, and hopefully they are beneficial to you in some way…so here they are.

1.   Get to know people outside of student leadership. Yes, you have great people around you and I encourage you to get to know them, but hang out with people who are different than you. Music majors, athletes, social club members, whoever it may be. Try to not create divisions as a body of Christ.

2.   Get to know your bosses. Many of you probably already know them, but get to know them on a deeper level. They are there because they love you and want to get to know you better. You can gain some of the greatest friendships by getting to know them better.

3.   Don’t place yourself on a pedestal because you are a student leader, and furthermore, don’t place other student leaders on a pedestal.

4.   Be vulnerable and show that you are not perfect. There is often pressure on student leaders to seem perfect. You’re not, and that is okay. 

5.   Upperclassmen: mentor those who are younger than you. Underclassmen: seek that mentorship.

6.   Try to avoid being cynical about administration or other groups on campus. Something that seems so significant now will seem like nothing a couple years later. You don’t need to police those who you believe are doing wrong. Take the plank out of your own eye.

7.   Create time for just you. Go on a walk and talk to God. If you don’t create that space for yourself, you will burn out quickly. If you want to effectively show His love in the best way possible, understand that you aren’t superman. You can’t do it all for your mentor group or hall.

8.   Last, and most importantly, remember why you are a student leader. You are doing it out of love. God is always with you and He is well aware of the joys and sorrows you go through. Take everything to Him.

Justin hammocking with his wife, Sage.

I don’t know most of you (Sam, Connor, and Shawn… I love you guys), but I know what you are going through. You are doing great things for the Kingdom. Know that I am praying for you daily.

God bless.

Justin Brandman

Peer Mentor, 2010-2012

Student Leadership Intern, 2012-2013