~ Your Social Life ~
Lots of people find that one of the best parts about going to college is the people they meet. I know this has been the case with me. I've met some of my dearest friends at school, people who are wonderful supports in my spiritual life and also know how to have a really good time.
My experience not just with college but with friendships in general is that it really pays to have a group of really close friends, an inner circle so to speak. These are the people you'll share your heart with, the people you can really count on to uplift you and bring you closer to God, and people you can dedicate a lot of time to. They're the ones who will still be an important part of your life years and years down the road.
But if you're not careful you can make a mistake, and this is one that I've made: you can be so wrapped up in that 'inner circle' that you fail to make the time for anyone else. There are plenty of people in the world who aren't kindred spirits, and probably aren't even interested in being your very close friend, but they still have something to give. What's more, you might have something to give to them. Treasure your special Friends, but keep your heart open.
If your friends are good then it will usually happen naturally that the activities you enjoy together are wholesome. Still, diligence is a safeguard, and try to avoid occasions of sin.
Dances, movies, and long conversation with real kindred spirits are all spectacular - I know from personal experience! - but some of my favourite memories of times spent with my friends are of the evenings when we'd go pray a rosary in the chapel together. Friends who are devout in their Faith are absolutely wonderful, and don't miss out on the opportunities to pray and serve together.
And have fun. :)
My experience not just with college but with friendships in general is that it really pays to have a group of really close friends, an inner circle so to speak. These are the people you'll share your heart with, the people you can really count on to uplift you and bring you closer to God, and people you can dedicate a lot of time to. They're the ones who will still be an important part of your life years and years down the road.
But if you're not careful you can make a mistake, and this is one that I've made: you can be so wrapped up in that 'inner circle' that you fail to make the time for anyone else. There are plenty of people in the world who aren't kindred spirits, and probably aren't even interested in being your very close friend, but they still have something to give. What's more, you might have something to give to them. Treasure your special Friends, but keep your heart open.
If your friends are good then it will usually happen naturally that the activities you enjoy together are wholesome. Still, diligence is a safeguard, and try to avoid occasions of sin.
Dances, movies, and long conversation with real kindred spirits are all spectacular - I know from personal experience! - but some of my favourite memories of times spent with my friends are of the evenings when we'd go pray a rosary in the chapel together. Friends who are devout in their Faith are absolutely wonderful, and don't miss out on the opportunities to pray and serve together.
And have fun. :)
My own personal advice about when it comes time to go to college: Find the Newman Center. Really give it a chance. Make it your home away from home on campus.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started hanging out at my school's Newman Center & getting more involved there second semester, it made all the difference. Being surrounded by such a strong faith community made me stronger, strengthened my faith, and helped shape me into the woman I am today. :)
Wow, I don't know anyone my own age who is devout, including the people I know from my Catholic highschool! Where did you meet this kind of friend?
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