The Prodigal Life

Friday afternoons on a college campus are unique. Things seem to go slower. Students meander around campus in attire clearly chosen for comfort over fashion. Some are making a valiant attempt at productivity before the weekend arrives in full force. Others are more than content to put everything off until Sunday evening. As I wrapped up my conversation with Jack, a student newly committed to Intervarsity, two students on the other side of the circle began playing music. The woman swayed and danced while playing a guitar. A man banged out the beat on a collection of tin cans and plastic buckets... the notes of John Lennon's Imagine  floated around the circle. The scene almost felt as if it belonged in the 1970's. I walked over and listened to the rest of their song. Adele and Alexander introduced themselves and their "band". I asked if they could play something they wrote. Adele smiled and sighed, seemingly thankful for the request. Alexander and Adele played for se...

I sat in the shade on the low wall outside Radford's main dining hall contemplating my next move. It was hot and I wasn't keen about the more formal attire I was wearing for my earlier meeting with the athletic director. A tall, lanky student with a friendly smile sat a few feet from me. I overheard him greet a few passers-by and chat with some. The usual college conversations... food, homework, ultimate frisbee. Something inside me nudged. I stood up and walked over, introduced myself and asked to join him. Jerod is friendly and has an openness in his interactions. He shared about his journey of applying and being accepted to a number of top-tier state schools but, for some reason, feeling like he needed to be at Radford. Jerod became excited as he explained his involvement in a mentorship program for young boys without father-figures. He spoke enthusiastically about his desire to model to the boys that hard work, diligence, and commitment are worth it. His passion for chang...