Going to College by Jen Kacere (Dec. ’02)
College is something that most of us look forward to as we are growing up. I am no exception and now cannot believe I am living it. I worried about so many different things, such as meeting my roommate, making new friends, how my classes would be, and so much more. I go to a small Catholic private college in Iowa and there is no Orthodox church in this city. I never really thought about how I would not be able to attend Liturgy on Sundays, but I always knew God would be with me.
As I have been at school for almost four months now, I have realized how much I really miss going to church. I grew up in a family that attended church every Sunday and not going is a major problem for me. I love it so much and even though I know God is with me, it is still very difficult. I pray, read the Bible, and do a lot with Teen SOYO locally and at the Midwest regional level. However, it is not quite the same as being in church every week.
I really have had a great transition into college life and have realized that my faith is a huge part of who I am. I came into college thinking I am going to party a lot and have a good time. It didn’t take me long to realize that to have a good time, I don't have to go out and drink. A few weeks ago, we had a tragedy early on a Sunday morning. Another first-year student who lives in my dorm went out as usual. This guy had too much to drink and no one was watching out for him and something happened. He jumped off a roof and died from massive bleeding. This was a huge problem since we have only two thousand students on campus. I realize that I am a person who is very close to God and that we all need to keep our faith all the time. I also noticed how much I really love going to church services and how I really needed the Church during this hard time. Many questions and doubts come to mind when tragedies such as this occur. I have really thought about the Church and how important it is to me. I am very glad I have grown up in such a great atmosphere of love.
One of the advantages you have being close to a church is the mutual support in times of fasting. The challenges of fasting are very hard while away at college because there isn't a huge selection in our café. I just do my best and try as hard as I can to maintain the fast. If I slip up, I just keep on going! It is also difficult to explain to others why we fast at certain times throughout the year. Resisting peer influences without local support has made me realize how integral fasting is as part of our faith.
College is a great time and I am really enjoying it. I have come to realize that there are some people who are close to God and some who are not, but this distance is only measured by personal choice. I have learned more about different faiths and what people of those faiths believe. I really see the kind of person I am and hope my faith continues to be important in my life. My advice to everyone coming to college: learn and understand the most you can about our faith and love it always!
