The town of Tuscaloosa is very diverse. There are people from all over the United States (some even nationwide), who all have different political beliefs, different heritages, life experiences, and academic/professional backgrounds.

This diversity also includes religion.

Despite Tuscaloosa being somewhat of a big town, The University of Alabama is a public university and can be categorized as a smaller university compared to those around the United States. Some colleges are big, some are small, some are private, and some are religious.

Growing up, I have always been in a Catholic environment and raised that way ever since I knew how to walk. Catholicism was all I knew... and I’m so glad it was that way. Coming to a bigger school, not being in my usual routine was hard for me.

Like I said, it was all normal for me growing up; Mass during the week and on Sundays, religion class every day in school, and the dreadful uniforms. Those things are not as accessible to me now as they were before. I came to the conclusion that I really had to make an effort to stay involved in my faith and go to Mass regularly.

Joining a sorority was a huge help to this process. I knew I wasn’t going to be the only Catholic out of the 400+ girls in my sorority; there was bound to be someone else. Soon enough, I found girls that were also practicing Catholics and are some of my best friends now.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet people from so many cultures, including different religions. Going to Church on Sundays or small group on Mondays doesn't feel like a chore or an obligation. As I’ve grown and matured, I have realized I can't just go through the motions anymore.

I have to do these things for myself, and most importantly, for God.

Getting involved religiously around campus has also given me a sense of normalcy and comfort being so far from home. Because I was raised around that kind of environment till this point and now experiencing it here in Alabama, it feels like home here.

The fact that God has the power to bring people together through his word is the most amazing thing. I have met some incredible people through my religious journey thus far and cannot wait for the many more God puts in my life.