For some students, religion and the col- lege lifestyle seem entirely incompatible. Even if they went to church growing up, their faith is set aside for numerous other priorities once they get to college.

I’ve seen that with my peers and the sta- tistics back it up. In a recent UCLA study,

about 28 percent of freshmen select “none” when asked what religion they identify with. That number has been rising steadily. College students are becoming less interest- ed in practicing a religion.

My dad is a pastor; I was raised going to church every Sunday and I went to youth retreats and Bible studies. Christianity has always been a big part of who I am. My church is my family.

When I came to college, I had to find a different church than the one I had grown up in. That can be a challenge for a lot of students. It’s easier to practice religion at home, but in a new place it’s hard to know where to even do so. At Oswego State though, there are a lot of opportunities to practice one’s religion or even to learn about the religious beliefs of others.

There are Protestant and Catholic church- es on campus and in Oswego. There’s the Jewish Student Union, the Newman Center, BASIC, Christian Campus Ministries and the Muslim Student Association, to name a

few. Oswego State and the city do have op- tions for those who are looking for them.

Christianity was always important to me when I was living at home. I want it to be part of my life and my identity as an adult. Being in college is not an in-be- tween place where I can put my faith on a shelf and pick it up and dust it off again after I graduate. I don’t want to abandon my beliefs until I’m “grown up” and am done partying.

College students, religious or not, should take this opportunity to learn about world views and major world religions. I admire my friends who practice their reli- gion and realize how much value it has for their lives. Being part of a church in the Os- wego community has helped me feel con- nected and stay focused.

Amidst parties, frustrating professors and hectic schedules, it can be helpful to go to church and get some perspective on the things that last and the things that are really important.