How to Thrive in University
The Young Adults’ (YA) ministry recently held a panel on How to Thrive in University. The goal was to help our young adults think about how they can thrive spiritually, socially, and intellectually as they spend these formative years.
We had a diverse panel of four GBC members: Hee Kiat, a former university administrator in SUSS and NTU, Sandra Heng who graduated from NUS in 1994, Aurelia Chan who graduated from SUTD in 2016, and Matthew Seah who graduated from NTU in 2022. About 30 others came, including several overseas university students who are in Singapore for summer exchange, and older members in GBC who were interested in connecting with university students. The panel shared stories about various struggles faced, ranging from academic struggles and cultural shocks to challenges navigating romantic relationships and burning out in church ministry. Many reflected that they were thankful to hear about the importance of being connected with the local church and seeking counsel not just from fellow young adults but from the wider church body.
Sandra, who was part of the panel, was surprised when Nicholas, our Ministry Worker for Young Adults, approached her to share:
When I was invited to share my university experience with the YA, my initial reaction was that there must have been a mistake. After all, I graduated more than three decades ago. I wondered how my experiences could still be relevant to a younger generation navigating a very different world.However, Nick felt that hearing from someone from a different generation would offer the YA a valuable perspective on how certain life lessons remain timeless despite changing circumstances. With that, I decided to accept the invitation.
I am glad I did. It was a meaningful opportunity not only to share my journey and reflections but also to connect with a wonderful group of young people, learn from their perspectives, and appreciate the energy, aspirations, and challenges of a new generation.
Joshua, one of our Young Adults who is currently in university found the session useful:
Going into university, I honestly just wanted to focus on my studies and stay committed to church, especially since I've been serving actively in youth ministry. Some older church friends suggested I try out a university Christian fellowship, and I've been attending regularly since, while still keeping my home church as my priority. Between that and going through the book of Ecclesiastes last year, I started seeing university in a new light: it's a gift from God, something good that I should enjoy, but not something I should let become an idol. That really shaped the way I think about my academics now.
I think the biggest battle every university student faces is holding onto who we are in Christ, even when the world is pulling us in different directions. The world says to have fun, to study hard, to live life to the fullest, and honestly, God isn't against any of that. But He wants something better for us: to actually enjoy the gift He's already given us, instead of chasing after everything else. And honestly, there are seasons where I just don't enjoy that gift the way I know I should.
What really helped me was something shared during the recent YA panel: seek godly wisdom from older church members, not just your peers. There's something different about leaning on people who've already walked this road and can guide you through it. That's honestly the biggest takeaway I want to share, thriving in university isn't something you figure out alone. It comes from staying close to community and holding onto the truth.
We thank God that He brought together different members of the church to build up and encourage the Young Adults in our midst. We pray that their faith will continue to be strengthened and built up in this season of life as they participate in church life as a member here at Grace.
If you would like to find out more about the ministry, or how you can encourage the YAs, feel free to speak with Nicholas (nicholaschuan@gracebaptistchurch.sg)!