Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/81

Contributor - Trudy Ann Bons

Title - How To Be A Christian On Campus

Topic - Youth

Ever-increasing numbers of people are able to attend post-secondary institutions. Ideally, education should be pursued for its own sake. The love of learning is often not the number one, or two or three factor influencing youth to attend a post-secondary institution. Many youth are attracted by the freedom and new possibilities that accompany moving away from home to attend College. Visions of dollar bil . Is are instilled into others when they gain admission to certain professional schools. A desire to achieve academic excellence in any field is honourable, but not usually present. The purpose of this article is ultimately to suggest christian coping strategies for the non academic areas of campus life.

During the past four years at University, I have had more than sufficient opportunity to indulge in a variety of behaviours. I can say from direct experience that whatever good or evil exists in the world at large runs rampant on campus. Yes, there is a genuine beauty at University: people acquiring knowledge in an attempt to better themselves or society. There is also a lot of anxiety inside the students and staff on campus. I know people who dress well, speak well and yet have the need to "smoke-up" or drink alcohol as frequently as every day. These people may be doing well in all other aspects of their lives. Students with obviously respectable "futures" are unable to cope with stress. People are not always as successful as they may at first appear to be. It is therefore important to not blindly follow in the footsteps of just any friend or acquaintance you make while on campus.

There is a lot of diversity among the beliefs of students at University or Communitv College. Many students come from foreign countries such as India. Bangladesh. Lebanon, Hong Kong and Malaysia. They represent religions which include Hinduism and Mohammedanism. Whether or not they think of themselves as religious, they bring a certain philosophy of life with them as a result of the religious and cultural milieu in which they were raised. Exposure to such individuals is good. Your belief in Christian principles can be strengthened by encountering such a person and sharing your ideas. I have a friend who was raised as a Hindu and we often get into "discussions" about religion. I have become aware of a real difference between us and I know how important my religious convictions really are to me. The exposure to non-Christians can be a growing experience. It is important to realize that a religious friend of a non-Christian faith has a totally different outlook on life and his actions may not be at all appropriate for you.

There are so many experiences to be had while living on campus. How you choose to use your energies is not an easy matter. I think it is most important to act according to your beliefs at all times. The following is a list of coping strategies available to you. Make the most of them.

Suggestions:

I . Have extra-curricular interests such as music, drama, crafts, swimming, tennis, volunteering to help blind students read articles not printed in braille,

2. Allow yourself to have friends with diverse beliefs and attitudes. Your own beliefs will be reinforced and you will learn about other's beliefs;

3. Do not compromise your beliefs to be part of a crowd and do not act in ways you believe to be wrong,

4. Keep in touch with denominational publications such as Pioneer and Words of Hope. Forward your address to Pioneer so that you will be sent a copy each month. Have your family forward a copy of Words of Hope regularly,

5. Find out if a Reformed Church exists in your new city. Also, see if a Reformed Church Chaplain is listed with the Chaplain's office at your post secondary institution.

6. Your home Church could organize a "Life at University/Community College" orientation evening. It would be useful to have graduates of such institutions speak about some of their experiences on campus and coping strategies. Such an evening would make prospective post-secondary students more aware of what to expect on campus and also to feel less alone should some sort of crisis develop,

7. If the city you are moving to has Reformed Church families, a '-Christian Sponsorship" program can be developed. In this way, a student would have a "family" away from home to go to when feeling anxious, frustrated, lonely, or in need of spiritual guidance. These families would serve to provide Christian support and love:

8. Most Universities and Community Colleges have qualified psychologists and/or social workers on their counselling staff. Counselling services are there for the students to use and to my knowledge are free of charge. They offer personal counselling and a variety of workshops such as procrastination, shyness, anxiety-management, communication skills mature student workshops.

It is my sincere hope that each and every student contemplating a postsecondary education pursues their wish and holds on to their Christian principles. Life at a post-secondary institution is worthwhile and it can be great fun too. It is up to you how to have "fun". However you decide to behave on campus, be sure that you are acting in accordance to your principles and beliefs. You cannot go wrong if your actions are based on Christian beliefs. Being a Christian involves more than just claiming to be one, it involves acting and thinking like one. Be someone special: be yourself, a Christian on campus.

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