There comes a point in most students’ university days when they come to consider their university as their second home. As a transfer student this may not come as quickly, but I’m happy to say I’ve finally reached the point where I can call my university my second home. Here are the top 6 things (in no particular order) that I love about my second home, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
1: Fostering of Catholic Faith
There’s no doubt Franciscan is a Catholic university. Of course we have one of the best theology departments (hello, Scott Hahn!), but it extends past the classroom. The Catholic faith is encouraged through many different activities. We have perpetual adoration, a chapel in each dorm, daily mass, confession, wonderful conferences and speakers, great RAs and RDs, and of course the beautiful witness and encouragement from the countless Sisters and priests who spend time on campus.
2: Households
Households are another big aspect of our Catholic atmosphere on campus. Households are somewhat like sororities or fraternities, but with a religious twist. They have different charisms and pillars, but they are all faith based. Households vary in size, from small to very large. My household (Yay Warriors of the Word) is small but our love for each other is big. And I mean we carry swords around. So that’s just awesome.
3: Love for classic books and studies
Ever get tired of those in society who have no appreciation for classic literature? Chronicles of Narnia? Lord of the Rings? Yeah, they’ve seen the movies, but here, it’s totally normal to have LOTR and Narnia bookworms and nerds. Another common type of nerds are the Philosophy nerds...have trouble understanding that Ethics class? Next to theology, everyone seems to be majoring in, or double or triple majoring with, philosophy. Sure, math tutoring is a thing, but philosophy help is just as essential here.
4: Vintage inspired everything is totally not strange
So I love vintage inspired clothes. And music. And swing dance. Of course not everyone likes these things, but you won’t get weird looks for triple stepping down the hall in that 50’s inspired dress, you may even get admiring looks.
5: The best of friends
You can find a best friend without going to a Catholic university for sure. But going to a Catholic University, it is common to find people who are wholesome and have good morals. In addition to the emergency theology and philosophy help, these friends are great when you have a dilemma that goes beyond the skin deep level. These are friends who connect with you on a spiritual level, care about your soul, and who aren’t afraid to tell you when you may be slipping. These are friends who won’t just tell you to do what is normal in society in the here and now, but to do what is good for your soul in the long run.
6: Classiness and chivalry
Of course modesty is a common thing on Franciscan’s campus. But it goes beyond that. Such as how one carries oneself with class or acts with chivalry. Respect, class, and chivalry are often lost in our society, but it’s present on my campus and it’s pretty awesome! (Hey, it’s nice when my guy friends carry my bags and open doors for me...even when they get lost in the crowd as they continue to hold the door open.)
So there you have it. Despite the fact that I live on a hill with no car, and our lovely internet(one word...resnet) is well, not so lovely, my school really is an awesome place! Full of good people and Christian love.
