I was baptized in a very traditional Lutheran church. I attended that church for several years until my family decided to switch to a more modern Lutheran church. I went to Sunday school every week in elementary school, confirmation in middle school, and taught Sunday school in high school. I learned the books of the Bible and the traditions of the church but never the idea of knowing God personally. My grandma was a huge part of my faith journey. She brought me to church every week and made it an enjoyable time, which is why I think I liked going to church from a young age. I always felt “better” after going to church, I just wasn’t sure why. I knew that God loved me, but I was never exposed to the idea of having a personal relationship with Him.

During my first week of college, I met a few wonderful friends who introduced me to a Christian organization on campus called Badger Cru. We all went together to the first meeting, and I learned that God loved me so much He longed to know me personally. During that meeting, I not only met hundreds of amazing people who were dedicated to their faith, but I decided I wanted to make God more of a priority in my life. I saw how having a Christian community around me could truly change my life. Everyone was extremely welcoming and many seemed to be on a great and successful path in life, and I knew I wanted the same to be true in my life. I continued to go to Cru every week and got plugged into a Bible study. In my study, I met amazing girls who encouraged me and led me deeper into my faith. I have believed in God all my life, but before college, He never played a huge role in it. Going to church just felt like going through the motions, never really understanding who God truly was. I viewed God’s love as more a deserved love through works instead of an unconditional love given to us through grace. I also learned why I enjoyed going to church and why it made me feel “good”. I learned that God wants to know me personally and be involved in every aspect of my life.

Since coming to college and deciding to follow my faith and make it a more central part of my life, I have been more forgiving of myself when I make mistakes. In high school, I was always pushing myself toward the goal of getting into a great college. That goal put a lot of stress on me to get the best grades I could, do great in sports, and join as many extracurricular activities as possible. This stress and pressure carried into my college career and even into many friendships I had, I was constantly trying to be the best at whatever I was doing. I found my identity solely in those things, and got very upset when I failed. I still continue to struggle with constant worry about my future, like whether or not I am doing enough or am good enough to get into the best law school I can. However, I know that I should find my identity in Christ, and I know that He has the best path for me. I now continue to work hard to glorify God, not to battle my worries.