College is a season full of learning, growth, and new connections, and two skills that can make this experience even more impactful: curiosity and conversation. These abilities deepen relationships, open doors to personal and spiritual growth, and help create a sense of belonging. Cultivating these skills can make all the difference in approaching college with confidence and purpose.
The Gift of Curiosity
Curiosity is about genuinely wanting to know and understand others. In a college environment where people come from different backgrounds, interests, and perspectives, curiosity invites us to step out of our comfort zones. By asking thoughtful questions and showing a genuine desire to understand others, we uncover stories and insights that can deepen our understanding of the world and strengthen our connection.
Building curiosity is less about coming up with the “right” questions and more about being open to what others share. When we genuinely listen—rather than planning our response—we show others that we value their thoughts, creating moments of trust and connection. This practice often reveals shared experiences and encourages more meaningful relationships, helping ease feelings of isolation that can sometimes arise in a new place.
Developing Strong Conversation Skills
Strong conversation skills help us turn curiosity into connection. Starting college can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to meeting new people, but being equipped with a few conversation strategies can go a long way. Here are a few simple ways to develop these skills:
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a single word, try questions that invite more thought. For example, rather than asking, “Did you like the lecture?” consider, “What was something interesting from the lecture today?” These questions invite others to share more about their perspectives and insights.
Listen Actively: True listening is often one of the biggest challenges in conversation, as it’s easy to focus on what we want to say next. When we listen fully, we communicate to others that we value their words and ideas, building a foundation of respect and trust.
Share Authentically: Showing genuine interest in others is essential, but it’s also important to share a bit about yourself. Being open and vulnerable can deepen a conversation, helping others feel more comfortable and connected.
Follow Up: If someone mentions something significant, like an upcoming exam or a goal they’re working on, remember to ask about it later. Following up shows that you care and remember, which is a powerful way to strengthen relationships.
The Practice of Journaling
Journaling can also be an incredibly powerful tool for growth, mental health, and connection with God. A journaling practice doesn’t need to be elaborate—sometimes, writing down a few things can make a big difference. Try writing down five things you’re grateful for, five people you’re praying for, and five things causing you stress. This simple habit can ground you, reduce anxiety, and help bring a sense of peace in times of stress.
When practiced consistently, journaling offers a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness. Flipping back through journal entries often reveals answered prayers, growth through challenges, and moments of joy that might have otherwise been forgotten. As a daily or weekly habit, journaling helps us bring our concerns to God, which keeps us grounded and allows us to process our thoughts more clearly. When we’re rooted in this way, we’re often better able to approach our interactions with others more openly and meaningfully.
Inviting God into Our Connections
Alongside curiosity and conversation, journaling fosters an awareness of God’s presence in our day-to-day lives. By grounding each day in prayer, we stay mindful of the ways God can use us to be a blessing to others. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Beginning each day by asking God to work through us can prepare us for meaningful interactions, helping us approach each encounter with love and kindness.
As we make curiosity, conversation, and reflection a part of our lives, college can become more than just an academic journey. It becomes a season of spiritual growth, personal development, and valuable connections with others. With these practices in place, each day offers a new chance to connect, listen, and learn—both from God and from those around us.