James Cottrell had made up his mind. The high school graduate was going to Grand Canyon University in the fall! It was close to his home in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and GCU provided a familiar, and comfortable, community. The decision was made.
Or, was it?
James’ parents opted to take him on one final college visit to Boise State in Idaho. Stuart Boyd, the Young Life College director there, and Jason Rinne, the Young Life College Northwestern divisional coordinator, caught wind that the Cortells would be visiting and offered to take James to lunch. The high school graduate was blown away by the hospitality shown to him with no ulterior motive; he’d not made a commitment to Boise and had little intention of moving that far from home. Yet, as James and his parents continued to process their visit, it became clear Boise might be just where the Lord wanted him. In the fall of 2022, James made the long trek from Phoenix to Boise, and as they say, the rest is history.
James’ involvement in Young Life started long before his time at Boise. The beauty of Young Life is that relationships and community within the mission can continue if the relational “baton” is effectively passed. The progression of one student’s connection to Young Life and relationship with the Lord can come through so many different people. Adults who have cared for them, parents, a pastor or youth pastor, teachers, coaches, WyldLife leaders, Young Life leaders, work crew bosses, Young Life College leaders, and summer staff coordinators to name just a few. Intentionally staying connected to students through each of their life stages can have a huge impact, and it was this intentionality that helped James eventually begin a mentoring relationship with Jason.
Since 2010, Young Life has annually offered “The High School Grad Campaign,” which provides high school seniors with clear, compelling, and simple opportunities to stay connected to the mission as they navigate this new season of life and enter college, the military, or the work force. Over the years, this effort has served hundreds of thousands of graduates, many of whom have found meaningful involvement in ministries like Young Life College, and service through volunteer (or staff) opportunities in the mission.
To be sure, the transition to a new life stage can be confusing and challenging. Our desire is to stay connected to graduates, keep them informed and engaged, and live out the adage “friends for life.” James’ story is but one example that can be told of ongoing connection after graduation.
Inherently Who We Are as a Mission
Taking James to lunch felt second nature to what Stuart and Jason have done for many students coming to, or looking to come to, Boise. In fact, an action and opportunity like this is inherently who we are as a mission; however, knowing who is coming to campus is really the only way a “chance” encounter like this happens. The “hand off” of a student can often feel systematic and methodical, not as relational as we as a mission often like to operate. Yet, the importance of it could not be felt more, especially in our day and age.
The average freshman heading to college is experiencing rates of anxiety and depression like we’ve never seen. For a student to hear from an adult, or even better to meet that adult, before even showing up for their first day on campus can make all the difference in the world. Many Young Life College ministries are committed to welcoming incoming students; whether during a visit like James’, through a brief text or email, or through a move-in welcome committee, complete with gifts, bottled water, strong bodies to help move items, and a clear picture of activities scheduled in the coming days and weeks.
Walking with Graduates for the Long Haul
Young Life College Vice President Pete Hardesty said, “College directors around the U.S. are eager to receive students, connect with them, and start walking with them in this chapter of their lives. We treat ‘taking this baton’ very seriously and it’s a privilege to continue these relationships. Walking with students for the long haul is at the heart of who we are as a mission. We’ll do whatever we can to care for these students — meet them where they are, and help them take the next step in knowing and following Jesus.”
Regardless of whether a graduate is heading to college or not, Pete’s words represent the hearts of all Young Life staff. For adults who serve as a local staff person, or as a Young Life Military/Club Beyond staff, or through Young Life College, the sentiment is the same; we care about graduates and want to keep them connected.
If you know a recent high school graduate, or are one yourself, let me encourage you to take a minute and either share, or fill out our “Let’s Stay Connected!” form.
This information will allow our staff and leaders to reach out to you and keep you informed via our monthly Relationships Newsletter. Young Life doesn’t have to end with high school graduation!
