For many, going from high school to college can be a drastic change. On top of harder classes, new environments and more independence, college can have major effects on a student’s faith.
According to teachers and alumnae, this change often occurs because faith hasn’t become fully personal before students graduate from high school.
Campus ministry director Danielle Lambert shared that many students grow up practicing their faith because it is expected of them by their family or even school, not because it is something they have personally decided upon.
“When students get to college, no one is forcing them to go to Mass anymore,” Lambert said. “That’s when they have to decide for themselves if faith is something they want to accept personally into their lives.”
Lambert explains that questioning faith is normal, especially during such big life transitions. Although, when students haven’t come to terms with building a personal relationship with God, it can be much easier to walk away from faith once they are on their own.
The college setting can make practicing faith much more difficult. Students find themselves surrounded by people who may not share the same beliefs, which can make faith feel out of place.
Theology teacher Anthony DiStefano says, “Faith isn’t necessarily a thing students lose, but it’s something they choose to give up.”
He stated that peer pressure and the desire to fit in play a big part in faith as well. At this age, students can feel discouraged from practicing religion if it makes them stand out or feel different.
Another challenge DiStefano mentioned is the importance of how one treats faith in high school. When a person looks at religion as something that only happens in theology class, it can lead to a separation of faith from day-to-day life.
“If faith feels like just one class instead of a part of your everyday life, it becomes easier to leave behind,” DiStefano said.
Sophomore theology teacher, Kaiti-Lynn Beazley has her own experience transitioning from high school to college as a Xavier alumna and how overwhelming it can be at times when a person is suddenly exposed to such a widespread range of beliefs and opinions.
“Up until college, for a lot of students, faith isn’t necessarily considered their own,” Beazley said. “Once you get there no one is making you go to church to be involved anymore.”
Beazley expresses the transition into college is difficult, especially when trying to meet new people who align with your values.
She suggests that preparation can make a positive difference. She encourages students to set up a game plan before arriving, like joining faith-based clubs, visiting the Newman Center or committing to attending Mass.
With accountability, some are able to stay committed in their faith, while others decide on whether they want to continue in their faith or step away.
Ultimately college does not lead students to a loss of their faith, but it does put them in a position to define it.
