Tom Middendorf
Class of 1999

From hiding to belonging

"My early life involved a lot of transition and moving from one community to another, and because adapting to new environments and schools was a part of life during my teenage years, I found it difficult to feel truly rooted in any community. Additionally, I never really felt like people had a chance to know me on a deeper level. I intentionally kept others at a distance. It just seemed easier for me to stay out of the way and get through each day during high school.

"High school graduation forced me to face decisions regarding my future. I remember being concerned about going to college because I was scared that it would be the same old song and dance—feelings of isolation and loneliness. I grudgingly decided to go to college, but I made another decision: I would go about my business and not bother anyone—I would simply stay out of the way.

 "An amazing thing happened when I arrived at Trevecca. The campus community  wouldn’t allow me to isolate and fall through the cracks. At Trevecca I found  students, faculty, and staff who embraced me in such a way that I no longer wanted to hide. The people of this community would not allow me to stay out of the way. They integrated me into the community; moreover,  I found myself and my calling at Trevecca because of the Christian people who desired to help me develop as a person.

"I walked into Trevecca as a person that was content with being in the background and blending in. I left with the feeling of an overriding purpose for my life and embracing the opportunity to impact the world in a Christian way."

Tom is the assistant director of Trevecca’s new Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service, and he teaches the Life Calling and Purpose class, the foundational course for all incoming freshmen.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empowering Students to Make the Leap

Trevecca is committed to empowering students to make the leap. Those leaps are as unique as the persons who make them, but all leaps involve growth or change in the life of a student. Some of those leap stories are presented here, and more stories will be added.
Do you have a "leap" story? If you do, Trevecca wants to have your story. Please send your story to myleap@trevecca.edu.