God Provides
By: Abigail Frese, B.S. in Business Administration – BSBA, Accounting, GT Class of 2025
Written on: December 5, 2024
As a Fall 2024 graduate, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to reflect on my Georgia Tech experience, particularly through the lens of my involvement at the Catholic Center.
I grew up in Marietta, GA, as one of three triplets—a sister, a brother, and me. Being a triplet meant I was never alone and always had to share everything, from birthday cakes to attention. While that might sound chaotic, I loved it. My siblings were my built-in best friends, and my family was my constant support system. Honestly, I was such a homebody growing up that I have vivid memories of crying anytime I spent the night away from home or ventured too far from my comfort zone.
My childhood wasn’t just defined by family but also by faith. The Catholic Church of St. Ann and its Life Teen program gave me a solid foundation in Christ and relationships. That community helped me see the importance of having faith-filled people in my life as I stepped into college.
When it came time to choose a college, I knew I wanted to stay close to home. I wasn’t ready to give up my nearby support system, but I also wanted a challenge. Georgia Tech seemed like the perfect balance. I was excited to embrace the “college experience,” meet new people, and dive into my studies. Move-in day, August 14th, had been circled on my calendar for weeks, but so had August 15th—my first Sunday mass as a Tech student.
That mass wasn’t exactly perfect. I barely knew anyone coming into freshman year, let alone practicing Catholic students. After a chance encounter with someone in my dorm, I walked to mass with them, but I still ended up sitting alone. Sitting in that pew, I quietly cried, desperately asking God to send me a community like the one I’d known in high school. Feeling more hopeful than confident, I filled out a student registration card, hoping for something that would help me find my place.
Just two days later, my prayers were answered. I got a text from Frances, a FOCUS missionary at the Catholic Center, inviting me to a community night during their week of welcome. Her kind, intentional outreach gave me the courage I needed to show up. Frances was one of the first familiar faces I came to know at the Catholic Center, and her invitation set the tone for my entire college experience—a journey full of belonging, faith, and growth I never could’ve imagined on that lonely first day.
The Catholic Center has been a cornerstone of my Georgia Tech experience, offering a place of rest, prayer, and community. It was here that I learned the rhythm of daily prayer, experienced the constancy of the Eucharist, and found a faith-filled community that mirrored, and even exceeded, what I had in high school. Weekly holy hours, daily Mass, and Bible studies led by my sorority sisters were integral to my growth, grounding me in faith and providing support throughout my college journey.
It’s incredible to reflect on how it all began with a single community night. That evening, I met friends who remain some of my closest relationships to this day, and I connected with the dedicated faculty and staff of the Catholic Center. What started as a timid step into a new environment became an invitation to a life of vibrant faith and connection. Whether through daily Mass, Bible studies, free dinners, or retreats, I’ve consistently witnessed the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness in answering my prayers for community.
The Catholic Center has also opened doors to transformative experiences. I traveled to Lima, Peru, on a mission trip, attended numerous retreats, and even joined friends I met here on a trip to Australia during sophomore year spring break. Each opportunity deepened my faith and reminded me of the Lord’s presence in every step of my journey. I am especially grateful for having the opportunity to have led my sorority’s bible study this past semester, all about the life of a disciple and learning to say “yes” to Christ- something I’ve learned well over my past 3.5 years here.
What sets the Catholic Center apart is its dedication to every student. The people and the place actively foster an environment where individuals are welcomed wholeheartedly, encouraged to grow, and reminded of their sonship and daughterhood. This community has met me where I am time and time again, creating a second home.
Being steps away from the Catholic Center, minutes from the Blessed Sacrament, and seconds from a supportive community has been central to my personal and spiritual development. It is here that I have most clearly seen Christ’s mission at work, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
As I prepare to continue my education at the University of Notre Dame, pursuing a Master of Science in Accountancy and Data Analytics, I carry with me the lessons and confidence in God’s faithfulness that I have gained at Georgia Tech. I am eager to bring this same commitment to faith and community to South Bend, Indiana.
All glory to God! Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please know of all my prayers for our benefactors and friends.
