I was born into the Catholic Faith, also known as being a “Cradle Catholic”, and I went to a Catholic School all through my senior year of high school. However, my faith hit its peak strength when I ventured off to College and became more independent.

When you set off to start the first steps of establishing who you are on your own, you encounter many experiences you’ve yet to have in life. Some smaller than others, some more difficult to face. All have some sort of impact on you.

The transition from going to a Catholic school my whole life to attending a public University was one I didn’t think would be a major deal. If anything I thought my future held a different path than it has lead me on. When I started school in August I was lucky enough to have a decent support system, one part being that my brother was up at school with me and was pretty reliable at making sure I stay practicing in the Church. Another factor was that the church I would mainly attend was the same one my parents were familiar with.

I’m not going to lie; my freshman year was not the high point of my faith. It mainly started this last fall. I decided it was time to put forward what the good Lord game me the ability to do and that was to love others and strive to pull myself closer to Him.

Friends whom I did not realize were Catholics as well, started attending weekend Mass with me, another closer friend brought me to Reconciliation where I reconnected with my Priest from high school, and my relationship with my boyfriend has brought forward more faith than I could’ve hoped. I am starting to truly grasp what I desire and my ears are much more open to His word.

No, I am not saying I am more “saintly” nor am I seeking anything superficial. All I want to show is that no matter how your relationship in your faith is right at this moment, the most unexpected points of your life can turn it around.

If you are a high school senior, possibly at a Catholic school and not feeling close ties, that could change for you in the next few years. It wont always be drastic and may not be right away but small events can strengthen even the slightest bit.