College students are uniquely positioned to accept change. For all their lives they’ve accepted most of what their parents have taught them and now are beginning to ask important questions and make decisions for themselves. They’re beginning to form the foundations of their faith as much of what they believe is shaken.
I’ve seen people go in several directions from here.
I have a friend who was preparing for the mission field in a prominent Christian college. After coming face to face with the religion, legalism and headiness of it all, though, he decided he didn’t want any part of it. He dropped out of college, renounced his faith and started doing construction.
Another friend of mine became absorbed by the idea of creating simple change in individuals’ lives. He was driven in college, focused on his interests, was active in some areas of social justice and graduated with honors. He joined the peace corps in Guatemala, immersed himself in the culture, learned the language and even married a local! He committed himself to a people for a time.
I floundered during college, uncertain about what I wanted to spend my time doing. I was on the fence in almost every decision I needed to make. I was unmotivated because there was no purpose to what I was doing. I switched majors six times, barely squeezed by in nearly every class, didn’t apply myself and found little value in my faith and self-worth. Thank goodness for the journey afterward!
College students are usually in their first ever season of real independence. They may flounder, fail or succeed. But, from what I’ve seen, all of these will come from a personal feeling of worth, purpose and security in faith. We all need to know that what we’re doing is worth doing.
