FHU Interface: The Journey to Home Starts Here

After a long Welcome Home day filled with unpacking boxes, arranging dorm rooms, and saying goodbye to family, hundreds of new students returned Saturday, Aug. 16, to find personalized invitations on their doors, welcoming them to begin their first major social experience of college life: FHU Interface.

Setting the Right Tone

Designed to help students feel at home, connect with the FHU culture and build lasting memories, Interface fills the first week of school with opportunities for belonging. Freshmen — many still timid and unsure — gathered in Dryden Auditorium, cheered on by their new classmates as they began their journey.

Each group of students was led by two upperclassmen selected for their leadership and example. Their task was to guide freshmen into campus life — from navigating class schedules to discovering local favorites or simply sharing fun with fellow Christians.

“Interface gives them a safe place until they make more friends,” said Cole Oxley, a second-year group leader from Jonesboro, Arkansas. “There are plenty of events, and it makes the first few weeks a lot less lonely for people who don’t know anyone before getting here. From what I’ve seen, those who put in the effort can really make strong friendships through Interface.”

Interface groups compete in silly games during the Mid-South Olympics.

Never a Dull Moment

This year’s Interface coordinators, senior Jackson Ruston of Arlington, Tennessee, and junior Cecily Davis of Henderson, Tennessee, worked with directors and leaders to plan a week of activities meant to give freshmen the strongest possible start.

Among their favorite moments were Sunday evening’s luau and Tuesday’s kayaking trip on the Buffalo River. From the Mid-South Olympics and softball games to dinners in faculty homes and late-night hangouts with their groups, the week was filled with ways to connect.

“One of my goals was really to see the new students build relationships and feel a sense of home,” Ruston said. “I also loved getting to watch the group leaders grow closer to each other and to the freshmen they were helping.”

Davis echoed that goal: “I wanted to make the freshmen feel welcome and give them a family.” She recalled watching the program work in real time. “On Saturday I remember seeing a boy off to the side, and his group leader was having a hard time getting him to interact. Then the next time I saw him, he was in every picture and had a great group of friends.”

Students find creative ways to enjoy the giant waterslide.

Paying It Forward

Freshman Joshua Miller, from Atlanta, Georgia, said the week made all the difference. “Interface gave me some cool connections and helped me feel more comfortable going into college,” he stated. “It gave me a great opportunity to meet the rest of the freshman class. This was honestly a great way to start off college.”

The effects of Interface are longlasting, with many upperclassmen seeking leadership positions because of their own positive memories of their inaugural week. FHU Dean of Student Life Tony Allen credits the continued success of the program to the tireless efforts and passion of students who were once timid freshmen themselves.

“Interface is a tradition that has stood the test of time because of our incredible student body,” Allen said. “They care about the new students and their adjustment to college life. The purpose of Interface is to make the new students feel at home in an environment where they can succeed. Our student body makes that happen.”

If history is any guide, many of today’s freshmen will soon become tomorrow’s leaders, ready to welcome the next class of students into the FHU family.

New students become friends during Thursday night's Besso's Welcome Bash.