First let me start off by saying that I am religious, I'm just not go to church every Sunday and attend a private religious school for my entire life religious. Yes, you can still be religious without being a devout Christian, Muslim, Jew, or Catholic.

So when I began my college search I can definitely say I didn't picture myself at an overly religious university. I didn't believe my religious background was as strong as the people who go to said schools. But here I am, at an Augustinian Catholic Private University. Did I know that being Augustinian was even a thing? Honestly, no. I had no idea who St. Augustine was or that he truly even existed. And maybe that's the exact reason that I fell in love with Villanova. So here are some reasons how and why I fell in love with my Augustinian Catholic Private University.

1. It's religious, but not in your face be our religion--religious.

There are many students who do not fit the Augustinian Catholic sector. Although many students identify themselves as Catholic, each students' level of commitment to religion is different. Additionally, the University hosts many other religious masses on campus so that everyone feels like their religion is included and celebrated on campus.

2. Theology

I have taken "Church" classes growing up. I hated them. I truly mean it. I was forced to attend and the bitter taste of the classes is still in my mouth. Being put in the required theology class my first semester of Freshman year, I was nervous. However, I was wrong. Rather than a professor forcing facts of the Bible down my throat, this class focuses on evaluating your faith. By taking theology, I've been able to open my brain to some of the tough questions. Some of these questions have had me rethink my faith and how I have grown up.

3. Required Classes

Just like theology, Villanova requires several classes Freshman must complete before graduating. For instance, every Freshman is enrolled in Ancients and Moderns. Known as great books classes, Ancients and Moderns serve as a way of bringing the Freshman class together, through readings of similar texts.

4. Community

Whether it's saying hello to someone walking through the Quad or holding the door open going into the Pit, Vilanova is making me a nicer person. Maybe it's the sense of religious connection or the fact that people are just genuinely nice, I'm growing in a positive way by just living here.

5. Pressure

Or really, the lack of pressure. Don't want to go to church? Great. Want to go to church? Great. There's no wrong answer. Be involved or uninvolved as you wish to be.

Whether you've been to a private religious school your entire life, or you've never stepped foot into a church, there's a place for you at Villanova. You might be forced to open your eyes and expand your knowledge, but it'll change you for the better.

xoxo