Life Out There (Getting Started)
by Rebecca Shwayri (Jan. '01)
College life poses many significant challenges to Orthodox Christians. While the intellectual atmosphere of college life is stimulating and thought-provoking, the social changes are much more daunting. As a college senior, I know about these issues from personal experience. For this first column of Life Out There, I would like to give you an idea of some of the basic necessities which will help you survive your first year of college and beyond.
Most importantly, you should figure out the nearest location of an Orthodox Church. With a Church nearby, you will have an instant spiritual community. Many of my best friends at my Church in Washington, DC went to the Antiochian Village Camp, and I was able to renew these Village friendships upon my arrival in Washington. If you do not live close to an Orthodox Church, you should investigate whether or not your university has an Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), or you could start an OCF on your campus.
Also, while you are packing away your computer, clothes, books and other crucial items that are needed in college, do not forget to pack your icons, Orthodox Study Bible, Holy Oil, and Holy Water. In other words, bring Church to your dorm room. In my dorm room, I set up a small prayer corner. By bringing these items with you to school, you will have an instant reminder of Orthodoxy.
These are just a few of the things you can do to ensure that Orthodoxy remains in your life while in college. In future columns of Life Out There, I would like to address specific issues that you will face while in college. Of course, confronting these issues becomes much easier if you have surrounded yourself with reminders of Orthodoxy.
Rebecca Schwayri is the Teen Presidential Advisor to Society of Orthodox Youth Organizations and is a senior majoring in international relations at George Washington University.
