College was a new beginning for me, the next chapter in my life story. As a child my parents didn't pressure me into going to church; they wanted me to make the decision to pursue my faith on my own rather than being forced. Although I had grown up going to church every Christmas Eve with our extended family and had been baptized Catholic, I never truly knew what it meant to be Catholic. Through middle school and high school, I prayed every night to God and listen to my grandparents talk about the true blessings God offers to us every day. My entire family's love and support had helped me become more interested in what it meant to be Catholic. I had wanted to pursue my faith more during my senior year of high school, but I didn't truly find my way until I met my sponsor, Heather, who introduced me to CCM.

During the Fall Semester, I attended with Heather the "Liturgy on the Lawn," a Sunday Mass held outside the Holland House - Elon's Catholic Newman Center . Meeting the CCM community and my RCIA leader, Tricia McCarthy, helped me realize I wanted to fully embrace my faith. Since then the CCM community has welcomed me with loving arms and helped me grow through every step of the Confirmation process. My experience was everything I had hoped for and more; Tricia and Heather were always available to answer questions about RCIA topics, and Father Peter was loving and supportive in helping me receive the sacraments as well as throughout the entire process. Others within the CCM community were friendly, willing to help, and so welcoming as I went through the process.

If I could do it all over again, I would do it even sooner towards the start of the Fall Semester, because I felt so privileged and blessed to learn about the teachings of Catholicism from the most welcoming community, and I am blessed with their love and support as I continue to grow as a newly confirmed member of the Church.