Holding on to your faith when you’re in college can be both a challenge and an amazing blessing. As we all know, college can be overwhelming. From balancing classes and homework with a social life while also trying to give yourself enough time to sleep and recharge, it can get to be pretty tiring. Coming into my freshman year, I was both excited and nervous, partly worried that the importance of my faith would be seen as silly and partly excited to embark on this new journey. There were plenty of things challenging my values, and to be honest, I strayed away from my faith for a while. Starting college, I still made sure I went to church on Sunday mornings, and I attended events on campus with the faith community. However, challenges arose rather quickly and I found that it was very difficult to believe in the things I had believed so strongly before.
In college, people aren’t afraid to challenge you on your beliefs and are more than happy to share their opinions when the opportunity presents itself. As a very spiritual person, I generally would welcome conversations about faith, however I was not ready to jump into the conversations and pressures that come with starting college. Because of the pressure to fit in and be accepted, I found myself backing down on my beliefs and letting others persuade me into thinking and doing things that I didn’t truly agree with. I found myself falling into situations I didn’t want to be in and surrounded myself with people that made me feel like less than I was. It was hard for me to turn to God in this time because I felt like I had pulled away too far to be able to just come back. Little did I know, searching for help in restoring my spiritual life would introduce me to the most wonderful and inspiring people, people that I now call dear friends.
Once I realized the importance of surrounding myself with people who support my values and see me for what I’m worth, I have grown so much in not only my spiritual life, but as a person. Through singing at on campus worship services and building relationships with those involved in the faith community, I have been able to not only grow in my own faith but I have been a part of other people’s journeys. I have found friends that support the importance that I place on my faith and have found an amazing mentor in my college’s chaplain. Although there were a lot of instances where I doubted myself and my beliefs, looking back on my 4 years I realize how blessed I have been and how thankful I am for everything.
To anyone who is struggling with their faith or losing sight of their values, always remember how important it is to stay grounded. Your faith is part of who you are, and if other people don’t respect that it is not your responsibility to change yourself. One thing that helps me remember that no matter what, I’ve got my faith to get me through is a Bible verse that I hold dear to my heart. Psalm 46:10 reads: “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still. Remember your values and remember that you’re never alone, no matter how intimidating life may seem.
