Editorial: To My Previous Self
Dear Julia of May 2021,
Right now, you’re gearing up for your college graduation. You think these are going to be the hardest goodbyes of your life. You’re also cautiously excited about what seminary might look like. I know you thought you wouldn’t need more school after undergrad. Don’t worry: it’ll all be worth it.
First, you should know: you’re going to do it! By the grace of God, you’ll survive a rigorous graduate-level education. It won’t always be easy, but you’re going to learn that the Lord is with you every step of the way. Following His call is not a cakewalk, but it’s good.
Second, brace yourself: not all people attending seminary are as humble and spiritually mature as you imagine. Don’t get me wrong, almost every person is a lovely, genuine Christ-follower endeavoring to show integrity as they live out their faith in all arenas. You will see the ugliness of human nature in some places, but try not to be discouraged. Not to spoil the surprise, but in a tad over a year, you’ll be coordinating the intramurals at ATS – that is where you’ll see the unsanctified corners of people’s character the most. You’ll feel this load heavily at times, but never forget that you need not bear it alone.
Third, you’re going to make friends! It’ll be weird and uncertain at first, since you won’t have teammates to be our automatic friends/family anymore. But, by God’s grace, you’re going to make friendships here that will (hopefully) last a lifetime. This is going to mean another round of hard goodbyes (goodbyes I’m not ready for), but I promise it’s worthwhile.
Fourth, buckle up for more reading assignments than you’ve had in the rest of your life combined. Don’t worry, the discipline you’ve learned thus far in your studies and life will serve you well. It’ll all get done, and you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible in the process.
There are a lot of other things I could choose to give you a heads up about. The Asbury Outpouring, for one thing: in 2023, you’ll get the chance to witness a unique manifestation of the Lord’s presence in Hughes Auditorium at AU. Your small-town upbringing will show as you stress over the extra thousands of people in Wilmore, but this too shall pass. Overall, seminary will involve you continuing to learn how infinitesimally small you are and, by contrast, how great and gracious the Lord is.
Please don’t be disappointed: I’m still not sure what the future holds. But, these next four years will help you grow a lot in your trust in the Lord. This trust will enable you to be more comfortable with uncertainty. Graduation from seminary is just a couple weeks away – it’s hard to believe how fast it went. So, to you, my younger self, I offer this advice: savor these years. Learn all you can, spend valuable time with the members of this community, and be attentive to what the Lord is doing in and around you. In a world where everything is changing constantly, the Lord and His love never change – He is your firm foundation, now and always.
In Christ,
Julia of May 2025
This article is by Julia Hotchkiss, Alumni Office Student Worker.
So well said & beautiful, Julia. I am blessed to know you!
Thanks so much, Ria – the feeling is quite mutual!
Julia, you’re not just a rock star on the courts, the running paths, or in the classroom—you’ve been a true rock star in the Alumni Office. You’ve been an essential part of the family we’ve built here, and your presence, dedication, and spirit will be deeply missed. We’re so grateful God entrusted you to us during your time at Asbury. Go with our love and prayers—Godspeed!
Thank you, Tammy! I’ve been so blessed to be included in the Alumni Office family. Thanks for hiring me all those years ago!