S2. E3 Moving Away From Your Faith Community
We are joined with Emily Drake who shares her experience of moving away for college while maintaining her faith. She discusses the challenges of finding a new faith community and the importance of personal spiritual practices such as reading, prayer, and journaling. Emily emphasizes the need to be open to new experiences and to focus on personal growth while away from home. She also talks about the impact of her college experience on her faith and how it has become more personal and intimate. Emily offers advice to students preparing to move away, encouraging them to seek community, stay strong in their beliefs, and focus on what is real, true, and good in life.
“In the midst of your journey, remember to keep the line of communication with God open. It doesn’t matter if you wait months or even years to reconnect with your home church; they’re always there for you, ready to embrace you with open arms.”
Meet Emily Drake
Emily Drake grew up in a homeschooling family and earned a B.S. in Marketing from SUNY Brockport. She currently works as a social media manager and jewelry designer as well as managing social media for her childhood church in upstate New York. Emily is passionate about collecting and sharing visual stories that connect with others on a deeper level!
Three Pieces of Advice:
Be open to new experiences and communities: Moving away from home, especially leaving behind your faith community, can be daunting. However, staying open to trying new churches and denominations can lead to unexpected connections and growth.
Maintain personal spiritual practices: Even when away from your familiar community, it's essential to maintain personal spiritual practices like prayer and Bible reading. Consider using tools like a prayer journal to stay focused and connected to your faith.
Embrace uncertainty and trust in faith: College can be a time of uncertainty and change. Trusting in your faith during these times of transition can provide guidance and comfort, even when the path forward may not be clear.