College is a time for students to experiment with classes, majors and people. For most, these four years are spent exploring; studying, declaring majors and drinking (preferably a mix of the three).
Either way, most students tend to forget about their religious beliefs that were instilled in them at home.
From either being too busy and "forgetting" to go to mass/services, to not making religion a priority, some students lose part of their beliefs in the midst of their new college life.
Despite this, there are many students at Hopkins who make religion not only a priority but also an important part of their college experience.
Through the Hopkins Christian Athletes group, athletes have the opportunity to explore Christianity and keep their beliefs alive on the Hopkins campus.
Tim Leary, member of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, established the Bible study with the goal of making a place for the athletes at Hopkins to explore Christianity.
Because of the establishment of this group, athletes are given the chance to break stereotypes that limit them to their sport, and are able to find a sense of community in another group, rather then just on their teams.
With this goal in mind, Leary structured a group that gathers every week for multiple purposes, including religion. Even though Christianity is the main objective, the members discuss their weeks and classes, and even meet for lunch.
They also conduct social events such as a Super Bowl party, the ice cream social and a chapter retreat at the end of every year.
Christian Athletes have meetings that are low-key and not strictly run. They generally meet for an hour and a half, discussing each other's days, singing, reading specific passages, and then analyzing and discussing these readings in smaller groups.
Those who attend aren't confined to thinking only a certain way about Christianity.
"Nothing you say is wrong, everyone is always very accepting," said junior Anna Russell.
Group discussion is encouraged to promote a better understanding of the religion.
"The difference between this group and any other group at Hopkins is the sense of community that we have," said junior John Cutright. "Everyone participates."
The members look to this group as a positive link in their lives that helps make their time at Hopkins a little more meaningful.
"It pointed me to Christ and that is what made the biggest difference in my life," said junior Jake Kail. "Through reading the Bible and talking to other people who share this interest with me, I was pointed to this direction."
And this is what seems to be the familiar thread stitched through the group. The members are excited to learn about Christ and the Bible.
Even though the focus of the group is on athletes, everyone is still welcomed to gather every Thursday night in the Wolman East lounge at 7:30 p.m. No initiation or membership process is required. Simply show up and introduce yourself.
If you're still not convinced, remember that "you don't have to be a genius or even a Christian to come," says Junior Alissa Burkholder.
