A Letter from Kyra

Posted on December 31, 1969

Dear Catholic Campus Ministry,

How do I write a thank you letter to the place, people, and community that in four short years became my home away from home? In truth, I am not sure there are enough words, but this letter will be my attempt.

I joined CCM my freshman year because, out of all of the aspects of my life heading into college, my faith was the only one that I thought needed help. (I wish I had more of 18-year-old Kyra's self confidence now at 22, but who doesn't?) I did not have a church at home, nor a faith community, and had always viewed my faith as my own — solitary and lonely as it was at times. I had a desire for community and to better understand my identity as a Catholic, and CCM fit the bill.

But even as I walked to my first meeting with a CCM staff member excited at the possibility of finding a church community on campus, I was nervous. I wasn't sure I would find what I was looking for. I didn't know if I could handle the disappointment if I didn't. Thankfully, that meeting went well, and I found not only my community on campus, but one of my best friends, and now, four years later, more blessings than I can count - all from one lunch at McEwen dining hall.

Since my freshman year, I attended and served on retreats, served on two mission trips, and joined the CCM choir. With every CCM dinner, holiday event, service opportunity, and retreat, I deepened my faith, growing closer to God and the community of people who helped me. Amidst the laughter, tears, challenges, and triumphs of college, CCM was my constant. My home.

CCM is like that. It is a group of people who invite you to lunch, who ask you how your day is, and who support you in any way they can. It is an organization dedicated to the students they serve, whether that is at Mass, on retreats, during mission trips, or simply passing by on campus. It is a community of people I am thankful to call my friends and friends turned family, all striving to glorify God through their actions, their hearts, and their lives.

Thank you, CCM. Thank you for the late nights filled with laughter and sleep-deprived giggles preparing for retreats. Thank you for the support on the days I needed it the most and the challenges that made me grow as a person. Thank you for my best friends who feel more like family and countless people I can count on no matter where life takes me. Thank you, CCM. I would not be who I am today without this organization.

This is not goodbye; this is see you soon. See you real soon, Elon CCM.

Love,
Kyra