Common Threads: Life More Abundant course introduces first-years to Randolph—and a journey of discovery

Each student held a small skein of yarn as they stood beneath a colorful canopy stretched between poles that formed a circle. As part of the UNITY project, the participants started in the center, and carrying their ball of yarn, began weaving it around the poles—each labeled with identifiers signifying their race, religion, socioeconomic status, and geographic backgrounds. 

One by one, they moved outward, winding their threads through the structure and around each another. As more students joined in, their yarn intertwined again and again, forming a brilliant web of color overhead—a living tapestry symbolizing the connections that bind them together.

“You would bump into someone, and be like, ‘Oh, we’re the same,’” said Ka’Mari Jefferson ’29. “You don’t always have opportunities where you can just be close to one another. When you’re physically in the same space, you kind of have to talk. You have to get to know each other.” 

It offers an apt description of Randolph’s first-year common experience course, called Life More Abundant, or LMA, in a nod to the College’s Vita abundantior motto. 

“The thought behind a common experience course is that students will have academic fodder in common to talk about,” said biology professor Kristy Bliss, who is also director of LMA. ”Community-building is really important to their adjustment to college. There is a focus on connecting them not just within their section but to the broader campus community and the Lynchburg community.”

For commuter student Josh Murray ’29, LMA introduced him to classmates he predicts will be lifelong friends. Kenzi Knight ’29, one of those new friends, loves being in a class full of other first-years going through similar things. 

These types of experiences are even more important as the College grows. 

This year, Randolph welcomed its largest incoming class in history, with total enrollment also exceeding all previous records. That amounted to 15 sections of LMA.

The LMA classes included discussions, reflective writing assignments, and guest speakers in addition to service opportunities.

“There are so many topics to discuss, and so many opinions shared,” Jefferson said. “That’s what I really liked about it. It’s a good opportunity because coming in, you honestly know nothing. As an 18-year-old, you’re expected to have one standard opinion. Here, you don’t have to stand on one opinion.” 

Alivia Wooldridge ’29 said the course helped her be more in touch with what’s going on around her, while also thinking about the past. 

The Life More Abundant theme also offers an introduction to the liberal arts. 

“Students can really think about how to live a meaningful life versus just letting life happen to them,” Bliss said. “We all know Randolph offers a transformative education, and that really begins with the LMA course. We want our students to be lifelong learners. We want to instill academic curiosity. We want them to act with intention and integrity.” 

Bliss said hands-on activities like the UNITY project reinforced the messages being taught. 

For instance, on the second day of classes, students gathered in the Michels Athletic Center parking lot to pack nearly 20,000 pounds of potatoes, which were then distributed to local agencies. The service opportunity was in partnership with the Society of St. Andrew, a national gleaning organization headquartered in Big Island. 

“I really wanted to have action be part of what the students do,” Bliss said. “As a scientist, the things I remember most about my education had to do with experiences. I really hope those memories stick with them.”

The focus on action and connection echoed a message President Sue Ott Rowlands shared during Convocation, when she spoke about creating a spirit of hospitality on campus and letting empathy guide daily interactions.

“I hope we will make sure that we treat each other and everyone who ventures onto our campus as human beings with emotions and stories,” she said. “Randolph is a place where learning stretches beyond the classroom; where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking are part of everyday life; and where differences are not only accepted but embraced. And we are all part of this story.”

This story appears in the Fall 2025 issue of the College’s Magazine, “Vita Abundantior.”