Going to college is one of the most exciting times in one's life. You meet so many new faces, gain independence from your parents, and discover yourself. But one thing they don't tell you is the struggle of staying connected to God.
In middle school and high school, I was involved in my church; church youth group, weekly bible study, diocese weekend retreats, and summer church camp. So yeah, you could say I was spiritually connected and involved. I had a youth minister I talked to and grew in my spirituality through, along with friends through church and camp that I also got closer to God with.
But once I got to college, my I left my spiritual friends behind, had no group to connect with, and little motivation to get to know God better.
Right off the bat, I did check out some churches around my college town and clubs to get involved in. The most common problem I came across was the difference in religious views between me and the churches. For the ten years leading up to college, I attended a non-denominational church with my family with more open and flexible views than that of the Catholic or Baptist churches.
While many core fundamental Christian beliefs were the same between me and the churches I was visiting, I could not get over certain views the held on interpretations of the Bible that I did not agree with. Clubs I attended on campus also tended to differ in beliefs with me, so I struggled feeling welcome and desiring to go back.
When one wants to grow in their faith, I find it important to have a support system to push you along and chat with you about your spiritual journey. I learned to listen to other people's beliefs more and keep an open mind in my view of the Bible and Christianity. I also sought out friends that I respected and enjoyed their presence rather than only on a spiritual level, and found a better foundation in friendship helped me grow closer to them spiritually in time.
I'll be honest— there's not an upward ending coming around. I still struggle to find time and motivation to read my Bible and dedicate time to the Heavenly Father. But I attend Bible studies with girls I adore and spend time before bed to read the Lord's Word every so often. College keeps me insanely busy, as it does for most students. But the key is remembering your priorities and who should always come first.
