I’VE EXPERIENCED GOD PERSONALLY, grown spiritually, and built a community with true friends. Over the past two years, I found spaces on campus that have become sacred. Whether it’s the back patio of The Heights, a quiet pod on campus, or an empty classroom, each campus setting has created meaningful moments for me to meet God in deeply personal ways. Through student events and off-campus activities—like attending local sports games or Christian concerts—I’ve found my true friends and had the chance to connect with others and enjoy life. The environments Highlands College has prepared for students like me have given me room to breathe, reflect, listen, and learn as I mature in Christ. Highlands College hasn’t just built a “normal” campus for college students—they’ve cultivated an atmosphere where encountering the Lord and becoming more like Him feels natural and constant.

A campus location that holds a special place in my heart is The Heights’ back patio, where I lived freshman year and spent countless moments with the Lord in nature and His Word. Most mornings, when I had a break between classes, I sat there with my Bible in hand, threw my feet up, soaked in the view of the pine trees, listened to the birds, and felt the quiet peace settle in. It reminded me of Psalm 148—all creation praises God! This setting was a personal invitation from God to get outside in His creation, read His Word, and be aware of His presence. This space helped me see Him more clearly. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without those moments; it was where I grew with Him, not in a loud or showy way, but in the quiet, consistent way that transforms you over time.

This residence hall was the heartbeat of my community, too. The Heights is peaceful, just as it was vibrant. I’d always see someone I knew on the patio, playing games, watching football, or just hanging out.

As part of the Chapel Team, Markwan Luttrell is one of the students who lead worship for Chapel, a twice-a-week service for students, faculty, and the HC Team.

I made friends so easily by sitting down for five minutes to catch up, which would always lead to me staying for hours. Student Life Events with our entire dorm created core memories that were fun and simple yet meaningful. In those spontaneous, unscripted moments, I felt like I belonged.

Beyond the campus hangouts, Highlands College has gone above and beyond to make community available outside the classroom and the dorms. They bought us tickets to the local minor league baseball games and concerts for some popular Christian artists. I’ve connected with others and have enjoyed life in Birmingham by attending these events—I didn’t realize how much those opportunities would matter to me until I experienced them firsthand. It was in these moments that I began to build deeper, more genuine friendships. Moments like cheering in a stadium with my classmates or singing worship with thousands of other believers created a real bond with the people around me. Highlands College isn’t just investing in our education but also in our joy through life-giving relationships.

Another space of personal encouragement has been the gym—a total game-changer that has saved me time and money as a student! I love working out and accessing an on-campus gym between my classes, which allows me to steward my health as God commanded. Everyone there wants to see you grow, and people will walk up, give advice, or hype you up mid-workout—not out of pride, but out of genuine support because they care. Seeing familiar faces working hard alongside me made the gym feel more like a brotherhood than a workout zone. It’s clean, well-equipped, constantly improving, and one of my most consistent blessings.

Then, every student knows the significant events on campus—HC Mayhem, the Student vs. Staff basketball game, Expedition, and the Highlands College Birmingham Marathon. These weren’t just fun games or events; they pulled leadership out of me. Through these activities, I’ve been marked in profound and remarkable ways, growing as a leader and a person. Whether I was helping lead a team, cheering on my friends, or stepping up in unexpected ways, I saw growth in myself. I found confidence. I found joy. And I found people who encouraged me to become more of who I’m called to be.

Reflecting on my time here, it’s not just the classes or dorms I’ll remember—it’s how Highlands College made me feel seen, known, and loved. I’ve grown closer to God, have deepened friendships, and enjoy life in every season because Highlands College has created an environment where students can thrive both on and off campus—I couldn’t be more grateful. ■