I grew up in a Christian home where I was led by the most incredible Christian leaders whom I call Mom and Dad. I was raised in church all my life and was saved at the age of 7. I consider myself blessed to have grown up in a Christian environment and did not face much spiritual opposition as a young girl.
High school, however, was a different story. I felt like the minority there. I went to a very large public school where I constantly felt as though I didn’t belong. Don’t get me wrong — I was an athlete and had a lot of friends. However, I never felt as though many others shared my values. On weekends, when most people would go out and party, I would spend the evening in. I was not surrounded by many people who desired to live out their faith. At first, when I began to research different universities, I wasn’t very excited about the college experience because I thought it would be an intensified version of my high school experience. This was when I decided I wanted to go to a Christian school.
As I began my search for a Christian university, no other college compared with Liberty. It was a crossroads of everything I desired — prestigious academics, the highest level of athletics, and a Christian environment. When I visited Liberty, I absolutely fell in love. I knew I belonged here and felt the Lord’s presence surrounding this campus. I will never forget that as my tour guide prayed over my group, I began to tear up because I knew that this was where I was meant to be. Liberty was my first and last tour. This was going to be my new home, and although I was unsure of what to expect, I was thrilled.
Growing up, I always said that I would attend college close to my home in Ohio. Now, when I explain to people why I chose to live seven hours away, my answer is simple: being here at Liberty feels much closer to home than any other school would have. Coming to Liberty has been such a privilege in many ways. Not only do I have access to impeccable leaders who will walk through life with me, but I am also exposed to extraordinary facilities as well as new technology and modern hands-on learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. As a student-athlete, I have access to the highest level of athletic trainers, a nutritionist, and strength coaches who encourage us to achieve excellence with integrity. And through both academics and athletics at Liberty, the priority is to keep Christ at the center of all things.
I am in my third year here, and I can look back and see the growth in my personal life. I am not the same person I was when I came in as a freshman. I have made numerous lifelong friends whom I consider brothers and sisters. I have grown in my relationship with the Lord, and I have excelled athletically and academically.
Now, as I look back on the day that I teared up during my tour, I am amazed at what God has done in my life and on this campus. The culture at Liberty is indescribable, and I am so honored to be a part of this family.
Ashley Singleton is a junior from Cincinnati, Ohio, pursuing a degree in integrated communication. She is a Liberty University cheerleader and a student marketing representative.
