College is a time for many things. A time to grow and explore, a time to have fun, a time to experiment and try new things, a time to make mistakes, and overall just a time to discover yourself. When thinking about the college years, a lot of people think of drinking, partying, and ditching various classes and living by the motto, "C’s get degrees." Lots of things are said about the recklessness and fun to be had in college, which is true because it can and should be a time of joy and laughter, but when thinking about faith in regards to college, the two are rarely thought to mix. It’s common to grow up with faith because of our parents' example or going to parochial school, but as I have witnessed in many of my friends from high school, faith is no longer a priority when they are able to make their own schedules and decisions and not have their parents forcing them to go to mass. Without pressures of having to get confirmed or going to church every Sunday because their family is going, lots of students no longer see the necessity or find value in practicing their faith in their daily life while in college.

So while there are many students who fit in this stereotype of not prioritizing their faith in college, my experience has been the exact opposite. As I said before, college is a time to explore and discover. My Catholic faith has always been present in my life so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t use this time that I have to go deeper in this faith I have shared in but don’t know everything I can about. Especially for students like me who go to Catholic schools stacked with different campus ministry and faith based- service opportunities, there are so many ways to grow in faith in college. If you think about it, college can also be a time where hardship and stress are alive and well. Having a solid foundation grounded in faith and resources to pray and have Christ-minded people around you to support and love you unconditionally can make the difference between feeling lonely and confused and feeling supported and loved.

God never leaves us, even during times in college when we turn away from him. His love and mercy are unending. I often hear the excuse, “I just don’t have time for Church and to do things with ministry.” God always makes time for us, why can’t we make time for him? College is a balancing act, so why not add faith into that balance and come to know and love not only God more, but also ourselves? It is through God’s love that we can accept and come to know and love more ourselves.