Adjusting to life at a secular school
By Naomi Leanage, Youth Speak News
For 14 years, I was fortunate to receive a free education in a Catholic environment.
But with no Catholic post-secondary institution in the Greater Toronto Area offering my program of choice, after high school I’ve had to further my studies in a public university.
As my first semester at university comes to an end, it’s evident to me how big a change it has been — but one that is not for the worse. Though my faith is no longer entrenched in my daily schedule at school, I now have the freedom to explore, practise and claim my faith as an adult.
As Catholics, it is important that we take the time to thank God and acknowledge His presence in our daily lives.
But with no Catholic post-secondary institution in the Greater Toronto Area offering my program of choice, after high school I’ve had to further my studies in a public university.
As my first semester at university comes to an end, it’s evident to me how big a change it has been — but one that is not for the worse. Though my faith is no longer entrenched in my daily schedule at school, I now have the freedom to explore, practise and claim my faith as an adult.
As Catholics, it is important that we take the time to thank God and acknowledge His presence in our daily lives.
During my Catholic education, simple things such as the reflection that would follow the playing of O Canada or the prayer ending the day were rituals that I did not seem to appreciate. Looking back, I realize they were small reminders that God is always with us during the day.
Teachers and fellow students all held the same values and beliefs as me and I could walk into a classroom knowing that Jesus was with me in the form of a crucifix at the front.
For someone who spent her entire life accustomed to my faith being present both at school and home, attending a school that integrated diverse students with different religions and beliefs was quite a culture shock.
So how does one make the adjustment from a strict Catholic environment to a public setting?
God answered my query in the form of a book entitled Catholic and College Bound by George R. Szews. One part I found most helpful was that which told me, “As Catholic youth in a secular environment we must practise and be confident in our faith, for it will be tested.”
I believe that the great opportunity of university life is that you have the time and resources to explore the dimensions of your beliefs. There are no longer older adults to compel us to attend mandatory Mass in the school gym or inform us that what we are doing is morally correct or wrong.
Joining clubs and prayer groups that focus on Catholicism is a great way to keep our faith strong. Attending meetings illustrates how you choose to be there and grow in your faith and love for God.
I have come to the realization that attending a non-Catholic university is just another step on the path to adulthood. I do not need to attend a Catholic school or say morning prayers with my class in order to retain and better establish my faith. As a young adult, I should be taking my own initiatives to strengthen my relationship with God, for I am no longer a child in a sheltered environment.
Going to a secular school is not a bad thing and should not be tough — it is an opportunity to overcome the challenges and embrace the opportunities that we will face with through our journey in a very secular world.
(Leanage, 18, is a media studies student at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto.)
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