Getting Connected with CSA
You may be wondering what CSA stands for. CSA refers to the Commuter Student Association – a student-led club serving and connecting off-campus students. After being inactive for a few years, the CSA was relaunched in Spring 2024. Its new leaders are now working to promote the club and attract commuter students.
Jesse Dempsey, a junior majoring in Christian leadership and church ministry, is one of the students helping get the CSA back up and running. Jesse is serving as the CSA club president and aims to use his background and passion to have a successful first semester running the CSA.
Jesse grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and has always seen himself attending Liberty University. It always seemed like a good fit, especially with his mom working at the school. However, convenience wasn’t his only reason for attending. It was his faith in Jesus.
Growing up in a Christian home with Christian parents doesn’t mean you won’t drift from your faith. This drift occurred for Jesse while he was in high school. Once a few obstacles hit his life, his trajectory started to change.
“I had a few difficult things happen to me towards the end of my high school years, and through that, I had nowhere else to turn to but God. I ended up leaving high school early and coming to Liberty. My faith has been strengthening ever since,” Jesse said.
While at Liberty, another obstacle presented itself that many students face: social anxiety. Jesse’s experience of social anxiety made it hard for Jesse to make friends, especially as a commuter student. This resulted in him taking a semester break from school. In that break, however, he received a breakthrough from God. This breakthrough inspired a passion that he hopes to bring to the CSA.
“Receiving a breakthrough in that from God really allowed me to come back with a passion to help others who are in similar places to be able to connect and make friends. It’s not only for people who are struggling to make friends, but people who are thriving and giving them an area to make more,” Jesse said.
This passion for connection is his mission for the CSA. Knowing how many commuter students can struggle with a lack of a built-in community, Jesse’s primary goal is to impact. Whether through connection or events that positively impact those who attend is a success in his book.
The first event the CSA will host is the Super Bowl party on February 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commuter Lounge. Students can expect the big game, free food and drinks, and games for prizes.
To get more information or to connect with the CSA, follow them on Instagram @libertyu_csa.