College

Why was I called to go to Saint Mary’s College?

At first I was not sure. But I knew that this was a calling, so I needed to respond to the call. Saint Mary’s is filled with diversity, in beliefs, religion, personality, life-styles and goals. The diversity itself is exhibited on campus everyday—from the simple words and actions of a student. The many differences allowed me to step back, not judge and just accept people for who they were.  Just learning about people was something so special in my life. Other girls my age had outstanding God-sized goals, ordained passion or reasonable interests. The heart of understanding someone’s story served as a real change in my heart. I really believed that this diversity would serve a great purpose for my life, and I was correct—it did. Part of understanding someone’s story is that you begin to see great things about life. The social worker in me, knew that I needed to continue to experience front-on opportunities to work with many kinds of people; not just on campus. I got involved in a program called Five Star, where I would be further and greatly challenged to see areas in life that I never saw before. These kids that I worked, mentored and built relationships with, changed my life. They are my life. My dad told me, “Monica, you have found your passion—its kids.” Being president of my class, put my “Diverse Leadership skills” to the ultimate test. 

Attending Saint Mary’s allowed me to be a witness of faith, and truth for other girls on campus. I formed friendships with many different type of girls. I had the opportunity to talk about God, pray and understand my peers and friends. Some of the most powerful nights during college, were sitting up in the chapel and just talking about my faith, with some of my other great Catholic friends.

I think that it is my nature to just love all people. And because I care dearly about someone, it is often hard for me not to let go. My great, faithful, goal oriented friends told me over and over again this summer, “Monica, focus on the friendships that have the same interest as you do.” I believe and trust what my true friends tell me. At first this was hard for me to accept, and in fact do. I become so attached to someone, and when they are not striving in greater change for their life, I feel like I failed. But, what I have learned throughout this summer is that I cannot rescue someone, I can only help them-and further direct them to the Lord. Almost walking away (not shutting the door), is in a way protecting them. They have to be the ones who make the commitment to fully change. I truly think that real friendships require less effort and come naturally. I always live by this saying, “Some friends you spend an evening with, other friends you invest time with.” I do praise God for allowing me to work with many girls this year. My eyes were opened to new goals and passions for my life.

This college experience has by far, taught me a lot about myself, my faith and about life. College is a time for self-discovery, for learning, for realizing, for forming great friendships, for challenging oneself, for soaking in all of the opportunities possible and for believing in yourself, well enough to know, that your example of faith and truth can bring something very special on campus, and in the hearts of girls. I know this, because I saw it right before my eyes.

I am truly grateful for this experience so far. As I head off to Ireland, in a matter of days, I will experience college in a whole new culture. This will really be the ultimate test of differences.

—By Monica Murphy