I was so excited to start my freshman year of college. Pursuing a degree in journalism, I was sure God was calling me to use my skills in photography and writing for a career in Christian ministry. So, it was a little confusing when halfway through my sophomore year, I was debating if I should switch career paths or even leave my school.
The truth is, I loved my college experience, but I was dismayed by everything going on around me on campus. My public university was far from Christian, and it didn’t take long for me to feel the effects of that.
I sat in countless classes and student newspaper meetings where my peers blamed Christians for the hate happening in our country. I watched as my friends published stories dishonoring God, and it felt like every day I walked past a public gathering supporting some form of sin.
I wish I could say all the brokenness moved me to compassion, but honestly, it discouraged me. I didn’t want to hear another peer disrespect my Creator, and I questioned if I could be in a career field marked by so much darkness.
Light in the darkness
I started looking into other degree options and prayed for God to help me, but His answer wasn’t what I expected. Instead of finding a new dream career or switching schools, I was pulled back to journalism — on my (still) secular campus.
I realized I was trying to run, but by running I was hiding God’s goodness from my classmates and friends who so desperately needed it. God was calling me to stand firm where He placed me and be a light — not only on my campus but also in my career.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:15-16,
“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
To my surprise, with every hateful comment I heard, I started to feel encouraged that I was right where I needed to be. If you are attending a secular college or are getting ready to attend one soon, you have an incredible opportunity to be a light for God. Here are some tips to help you stay encouraged and be a witness for Jesus during this season.
Join a Christian club or organization.
As soon as you step foot on your campus, seek out a Christian club or organization. Search for them at club fairs or go online and look up organizations at or around your university. In my opinion, this is the best way to get connected with fellow believers and build godly community right on your campus. Some of the strongest faiths I’ve seen have been in the Christian organizations on my secular campus.
Find a church family.
It may be tempting to spend your college years church-hopping, streaming your church at home, or not connecting with a church at all. But it’s important to find an in-person church community during this season of your life. While clubs helped me connect with people my age, I found my church at college to be a valuable place of mentorship and servantship. Through my church, I gained a second set of parents who encouraged me through some of my hardest times. I also had the opportunity to pour into younger generations in kids ministry.
Stand firm in your beliefs.
It only took two weeks into college for me to reach a crossroads with my faith. Soon into the first semester, my friend group began going to fraternity parties every weekend where they would often black out from drinking and stay up all night before classes. I loved these friends, but I couldn’t take part in that with them, so I declined to go.
It wasn’t long before they stopped inviting me to all the activities they did. I was deeply saddened, and I considered giving in to maintain our friendship. Ultimately, though, I remained firm in my conviction to not party. The decision hurt, but through it God blessed me with more time to cultivate fruitful, Christ-like friendships.
I can guarantee there will be countless things and people trying to influence you every day at college. Whether it’s a friend inviting you to a frat party or a professor assigning reading on gender identities, stay rooted in God’s Word and be prepared to stand for what you believe. Remember that God is bigger than any friend, professor or “college experience.”
Share your faith.
It can be awkward or even scary to share your faith in a place that seems so anti-Christian, but it’s such a wonderful opportunity to be a light for Jesus. I’m not saying you have to become a street preacher outside your student union, but don’t shy away from sharing Jesus even in the little moments.
Voice that you’re a believer, talk about going to church over the weekend, read your Bible in the union, and offer to pray for your friend who had a rough week. Personally, I had to learn to be bold in saying that I want to become a journalist for a Christian humanitarian organization — in other words, a missionary. Sure, I got some weird looks, but I also got the chance to share the love of my beautiful Savior.
Never alone
As you settle into campus life, remember that you are not alone in your college journey. Ask your friends and family back home to regularly pray for you, and keep your focus on Jesus. He has promised to walk with you every day and through every circumstance. He has called you where you are for a reason — follow Him and discover why.
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