Campus Conversations

A Glimpse Into Oxy's Spiritual Life

January 31, 2013

Blogger: Lisa Chang

Hello! My name is Lisa, a freshman at Oxy from Orinda, California, and I am excited to post my first admission blog! I am interested in majoring in either Psychology, Sociology, or Philosophy, with a possible minor in Religious Studies. This spring, my classes include a history CSP titled "Reacting to the Past", a psychology class titled "Origins of Knowledge", Intro to Sociology, Buddhist Thought from India to Japan, as well as two partial-unit classes: Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra.

After a long, relaxing five-week break, classes have finally begun! While I am excited to return to Oxy to analyze The Lion King in a sociological perspective and engage in fiery debates over Athenian democracy and the French Revolution, I am possibly most excited to spend time with my closest friends from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

After joining IV (short for InterVarsity), I have met some of the friendliest individuals on campus, traveled to Catalina Island on a weekend-long retreat, as well as participated in some (not-so-productive) study sessions in the library with the IV members. Over break, Oxy IV also brought about a dozen students to St. Louis, Missouri on a week-long missions conference called Urbana. But perhaps more importantly, IV has allowed me to pursue my religious beliefs at Oxy through weekly Large Group meetings, Small Group Bible studies, as well as spontaneous worship sessions and Just Dance parties at the Bell-Young Common Room. 

Truth be told, I was initially reluctant to choose Oxy due to its liberal climate. Concerned that I wouldn't find many Oxy students with the same spiritual and conservative beliefs as my own, I was also torn by my interest in Oxy's academic superiority and student life. But after joining Oxy IV, my skepticism quickly disappeared. The IV members enthusiastically embraced my tiny freshman self, and I soon became one in the family. While Oxy is certainly known for being a liberal campus like many liberal arts colleges, students of various religious still openly pursue their spiritual beliefs and practices on campus. Oxy certainly does not face the religious community with rejection or repudiation, but rather with curiosity and understanding. In fact, being a Christian at Oxy has allowed me to strengthen my beliefs through the various challenges and discussions I have had with other irreligious peers.

That's a little bit of my take on Oxy's spiritual life. I hope this post softens any skepticism about Oxy's liberal climate and encourages any prospective religious students to check out Oxy. Choosing Oxy has definitely been one of the best decisions I have made, and I'm sure many Oxy students would tell you the same. If you have any question about InterVarsity, I would encourage you to either email me at changl@oxy.edu, or IV directly at iv@oxy.edu.