By Dylan Benac, senior political science major from Boerne and Students’ Association president

Our first week is nearing its end, and we are beginning to get back in to the swing of what it looks like to thrive or survive this thing we call college.

There is a phrase thrown around on our campus that is known as the #ACUDifference. It can be found on Twitter attached to clever remarks about ACU, or sentimental posts on Facebook about a relationship that could only happen on this campus. Sometimes it is used to complain about a certain longstanding event that takes place at 11 a.m. everyday, or the tendency for people to leave this university with a small shiny item on their left hand. It is this difference that I would like to speak to.

There is something that is inherently different about the time you will spend here at ACU. It is the reason why the trip back to the “325” this past week was filled with a sense of comfort. It is why, after four or more years on this campus, you want to come back for Sing Song – or just for the spicy ranch from Sharky’s. It is the very reason why every day there are countless people that pray for this University and the students that attend it.

So what is the ACU Difference? This is a hard question to answer, but after extended communication with administrators, deans, professors and students I have come to a conclusion.

You are the ACU Difference.

So my dear friends, in this next semester I want to challenge you to live out this difference. You have the ability to impact the lives of countless people in this next semester. Do not take those opportunities for granted.

In moments of anger, strive towards grace. In the midst of anxiety find peace in the Lord.

May God bless this semester and may you be redeemed by the great strength found in Christ.

Editor’s Note:

Guest columns and Letters to the Editor are welcome and can be submitted by anyone. Letters and columns should be 350 words or less. Submissions can be emailed to the Optimist at optimist@acu.edu, or to the Opinion Page Editor at mkc09b@acu.edu.