Walking into an event alone could feel intimidating, but at California Baptist University, staff and students said those who took that step often left with new friendships and lasting memories.
Campus Activities Director, Jaime Eriksen, said that her office is intentional about designing events that help students connect, whether they arrive with a group or by themselves. From large celebrations to smaller club gatherings, each event is created with community in mind.
“We try to make the space and environment as welcoming as possible and build them around an activity that people can gather around and enjoy together, even if they come by themselves,” Eriksen said. “There’s something very bonding about shared experiences.”
Those shared experiences took many forms, Eriksen mentioned, such as Fall Festival, where students gather around tables to paint pumpkins. At Mini Fig Mixers, they build mini-figures side by side. Cultural events, like the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, allows students to learn and celebrate together.
For students hesitant to attend alone, Eriksen offered encouragement. “The beautiful thing about college is it’s like this fresh reset. You can be brave, take a courageous step, show up to an event and simply ask someone, ‘What’s your major?’ Suddenly, it breaks the ice.”
Amy Dacus, senior public relations major and Community Life intern, has seen the value of that courage firsthand. As a freshman, she attended Welcome Weekend on her own and left with two friends she still has today. Now, as a Community Life intern helping with events, she notices how showing up solo often makes students more open to meeting others.
“Comm Life puts on events that allow students to mingle and meet people,” Dacus said. “There are also student leaders making sure no one feels like they’re on the outside, trying to bring people together.”
She admitted it could feel awkward at first, but said the risk was worth it. “One of my favorite parts of college has been meeting new people and hearing their different life experiences,” Dacus said. “It’s such a missed opportunity not to go, especially at a school that prioritizes this kind of community.”
Abigail Alcoseba, junior nursing major and Community Life intern, shared a similar story. She remembered arriving at events as a nervous freshman, unsure what to expect. But instead of feeling out of place, she found herself welcomed by students who were just as eager to connect.
“I remember showing up really nervous, overthinking everything,” Alcoseba said. “But when I got there, I met a couple of my close friends at those events. It was definitely worth it.”
Looking back, Alcoseba said those small steps of courage became part of something bigger. “God designed us for community and fellowship,” Alcoseba said. “Sometimes we have to take that first step, even if it’s scary, but it’s so worth it.”
At CBU, attending events alone isn’t just about filling time. It’s about giving God and the community around you a chance to meet those He has placed in your path.
