Discovering Community and Sisterhood
By: Melanie Reveron, B.S. in Environmental Engineering, GT Class of 2025
Written on: November 11, 2024
Nearly all college students enter college with a sense of uncertainty and a lack of foundational community. I came into college during the Coronavirus, which only aided in this awkward isolation. Like many Catholic-born college students, I did not attend Mass or hold a strong relationship with my faith during my first year at school. This all changed when one day I found Renew through the Catholic Center Instagram. I don’t remember exactly why, but I went. After Renew, Makaela, the only person I recognized, invited me to join her Bible study. From then on, the CC became the foundation of my social and spiritual life; I had found the strong community my heart ever so thirsted for.
In joining Bible Study, I found what is now somewhat of a rarity- profound and productive conversation within a safe sisterhood. My love for Christ, and my ability to feel His love for me, was renewed. The theme for this study was learning good prayer; I had found yet another type of conversation that I didn’t experience during my first year at college. After a Bible Study one night, Makaela invited me to my first Sunday Mass in over a year. I started to receive the sacraments again, particularly the Eucharist and reconciliation. Through God’s mercy, I learned true belonging. In contrast to the strange isolation and surface-level friendships of my first year, I found a home that matured my social life and brought me closer to whom I am.
When Makaela invited me to the CC Valentine’s Day dinner, I did not know what to expect. The dinner and dance provided by the CC men surprised me in a surreal way. Many of us had not ever experienced our femininity being respected the way the men did. They treated us as we were meant to be treated- as daughters in Christ, and yet again, the CC enriched my understanding of myself and my self-worth.
My belonging to the community was rapidly deepening. I took on a Holy Hour, which offered an opportunity to prioritize Christ even amidst the busyness of Tech. In Christ, I felt not only real safety but a call to meaningful service. I began to participate in pillar positions such as photography, Renew, and Hispanic Outreach. Service gave me belonging and a Christlike joy, helping me understand exactly how the CC community was so strong and loving.
My service to the community took a large step when Hannah, my FOCUS missionary asked me to lead a Bible Study. It felt like a great call to service but through her discipleship and God’s grace, I now have a front-row seat to God softening the hearts of faithful women. I found myself offering to these women what was offered to me: true friendship with each other and Christ. Through the mercy of God and the openness of community members, I have truly seen how the Catholic Center expands and enriches the Faith on this campus.
