I think the word "new" is a daunting word for every college freshman. Each of us is faced with a new school, new friends, new challenges, and a new life. Freshmen have pressure surrounding every aspect of their lives - to fit in with the student body, to stay healthy, to maintain a stellar GPA, and to still find time to do that last load of laundry that every one of us has been avoiding. I always wondered what my new "home" would be like in college.
Well, it is two months into my college career at Elon University and I thank God that He has surrounded me with the vibrant and welcoming community of Catholic Campus Ministry. The moment I walked into the Newman Center with my family during Move-In Weekend, I was greeted by an army of smiling faces and open arms, ready to show me around and welcome me to the Catholic community at Elon. I left the reception with a new excitement about my faith and the people that would fill my life for the next four years.
In September, I took part in the Beach Retreat that CCM offers every fall. I thought it would be nice to get off campus for a weekend, soak up the sun, and maybe gain a little peace in the chaos of the first weeks of college - but what I ended up with was a new family. Amid spiritual reflection, exploring an old fort, chasing after dolphins, and Mass on the beach, I formed bonds with friends that I can picture myself with throughout my entire life at Elon.
Catholic Campus Ministry is now an integral part of my life. My friends and I camp out in the Newman Center to study or watch a movie, play on the CCM intramural team (the "Cathletes" are the team to beat), attend Mass every Sunday and Wednesday, and much, much more. Ironically, I started my "new" journey at the "Newman" Center at Elon and I couldn't be happier with the path I have chosen.