Editor’s note: This column was submitted to the Texan by a member of the UT community.
I have called myself a Christian my whole life. I was grateful to grow up in a Christian household and was constantly surrounded by a church family. However, then, being “Christian” felt like going through the motions. Coming to UT and being away from my family gave me the space to take ownership of my faith. In actively choosing to nurture my relationship with God, my faith felt more tangible and personal. I got to choose where I went to church; I got to choose which organizations I joined; I got to choose my community.
When I announced I was going to UT, so many people from church told me to “guard my heart” because they saw UT as some radical, secular university. I grew up in Austin, so I didn’t think going to the University in the same city would cause such fuss. People made it seem like I was going to another dimension that would make me question my entire spiritual upbringing. However, coming to UT has challenged my faith in the best way. First of all, there is a great Christian community here. What grounded me during freshman year craziness was joining a bible study. It was composed of mostly upperclassmen girls, so I saw them both as mentors and friends; they continually demonstrated the peace that comes from trusting God’s plan and encouraged me to deepen my relationship with God during college.
I grew deeper in my faith by being surrounded by my church and Christian community at UT. I could vocalize my questions and do life vulnerably in the security of a grace-defined community. Realizing that God and my community will always meet me with love, no matter where I’m at, will always be the focal point of my faith at UT.
The diversity of UT has also allowed me to be exposed to other belief systems, different values and new perspectives. There is beauty in surrounding oneself with a diverse community, and each new interaction and experience here has pointed back to God. It felt more meaningful to proclaim my faith in spite of exploring what else is out there. Not only has being in the community of UT reaffirmed my faith in God, but it has welcomed and respected my beliefs. I’ve felt open to talk about my faith with anyone because there’s a sense of mutual respect that celebrates our differences here. And being exposed to these differences has made my walk with God something I’m more proud of. It’s a blessing to feel comfortable to freely talk about my faith, and I’ve loved every conversation that includes it. From my experience, I feel supported and respected by UT in regards to being Christian. I’m very grateful for it, since I understand that it isn’t a universal experience.
Since coming to the fast-paced culture of college, it’s been nice to lean on God. A large part that drew me to UT was the resources and networking it provides, however I didn’t expect the stress that could invoke. Being surrounded by ambitious, talented and passionate students has made me a better person, but it can also be overwhelming. Being able to turn to God in these moments is like a breath of fresh air. It’s difficult to set apart time from work and school, but it’s been worth it. No longer is my identity defined by my performance, but rather by a constant, faithful God.
Wong is a Plan II and neuroscience sophomore from Austin, Texas.
