Ryerson student makes God his focus

Kevin Lo entered Ryerson’s architecture program a mature, reserved and dedicated student. Starting university, grades were his uppermost focus — now it’s God.

This time last year Lo was nominated as vice-president of finance for Ryerson’s Catholic Students’ Association after becoming increasingly involved with the group. What started as a curiosity evolved into a vital component of Lo’s faith. But when he had an opportunity to truly influence the organization, Lo was filled with concern and doubt. So he prayed.

“It certainly caught me off guard and it took me a while to figure out if this was something that I wanted to do, especially with me not being the most outgoing person,” said Lo. “I didn’t know if I would be able to actually perform the tasks required in this position.”

Amid that uncertainty, Lo decided he would “put my trust in you Lord that you will guide me.”

So he ran, he won and then he faced the challenges. Demands for his time increased. For a student who measured himself on his grades, reallocating his focus seemed difficult — that is until he did it.

“If there is anything I’ve learned over this year it’s that it’s all about putting God at the forefront of my life and really focusing on Him and everything after that will kind of fall into place,” Lo said.

That isn’t to say Lo simply spends his time praying for passing grades. He earns them through late nights that bleed into morning classes as design projects are revamped constantly. The difference now is confidence he gained by focussing on God. “This has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said the fourth-year student. “The way my faith has grown and the friends I’ve made this year has truly been a blessing.

“My faith is something that has become so important to me. Now I still place great emphasis on school. I still strive to do well. But at the same time that’s not my sole priority.”