senior farewells.
When I first became a part of the Cornerstone family three years ago, I was not sure if I was qualified enough to write pieces about God, or if I would even find joy in the process of writing. This feeling of imposter syndrome and fear of stepping out of my comfort zone was easily wiped away by the encouraging and instructive atmosphere that the people in this publication radiated. I have been immensely blessed by the friendships and pieces that have circulated through Cornerstone and impressed by the hard work that all of the new-comers have been putting in. I am confident that those who come after me will continue to lead and grow the publication in a powerful and godly way. Thank you, Cornerstone, for welcoming me into your community and helping me grow as a writer and believer in Christ. I am forever grateful for you all. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11 ESV).
- Julius Gingles '21
Where do I even begin? I would not be the person I am today without Cornerstone. My confidence, my theology, and my character have matured through and because of the people I met through this group, the times we shared, and the work that they encouraged me to write. It’s strange to remember how nervous I was during my first meeting three years ago. I wish I could tell her about all of the exciting things that were ahead of her. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! (Psalm 31:24) was the verse I clung to during that first year of college, and my time in Cornerstone has beyond testified to how God provides for those who take heart and keep faith in His promise that He does all things for our good. I’m going to miss Bible studies in dorms, laughing and walking down Thayer Street after a Cornerstone meeting, taking over long tables in restaurants, and enthusiastically reacting to Slack messages.
- Karis Ryu '21
It feels like just yesterday I was sitting in Room 411 of Page Robinson (then known as JWW) for the first time, highly nervous and self-conscious, looking at all the Cornerstone Staff seated around the table. I was the new freshman, invited by a friendly upperclassman and with no idea of what would follow. I couldn’t have imagined that just shy of four years later I would be writing this short farewell, reminiscing on four years of weekly meetings, 10pm laughs, and taking part in the growing of this beautiful publication. It has been the greatest joy and honor to be a part of this publication and to play a part in its growth and evolution over these last four years. Cornerstone truly has been a “cornerstone” in my life at Brown (sorry for the bad joke), and I thank God that He led me to be part of this special community on campus. Thank you Cornerstone for being another home for me, for taking me in and teaching me how to share the glory of God through the written word, and for being a place where I grew tremendously as a writer, leader, believer, and friend. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple (Psalm 27:4, ESV).
- Mikaela Carillo '21
For three years now, I’ve watched other graduating seniors write their farewells. Now, all too soon, the time for my own farewell has come. I have such a wealth of Cornerstone memories that I don’t even know where to start: countless meetings and check-in questions in Page-Robinson 411, cold weekends in Boston for Augustine Collective conferences, Shake Shack takeovers, late nights of editing the final PDF, or writing those crazy emails everyone so gamely read. This publication has truly been a fixture in my four years at college, and I’m so awed at how much I’ve seen Cornerstone grow and innovate over that time. I will always be grateful for the people I’ve gotten to know and the pieces I’ve had the opportunity to read. Thank you all for always showing me the truth and beauty of the Gospel through all the ups and downs of college, in times both remote and in-person. Truly, I thank my God in all my remembrance of you (Philippians 1:3, ESV).
- Naomi Kim '21
