POMETTO: A letter to a new college student

The Catholic Newman Center at Texas Southern University. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)

Dear New Student,

Welcome to your new home for the next four (or five) years! I’m so excited that you’re here and ready to begin a new chapter in your life. My campus grounds are beautiful, the dorms have all been cleaned, and the library study rooms have strong wi-fi for your research needs (just FYI, those items on the shelves are called books).

Year after year, I love seeing all the new smiling faces arrive at my campus. These faces are always filled with hope. New students are ready to make new friends and excited to see what life has in store. But during the past few semesters, I’ve noticed that sometimes the faces that begin with smiles can quickly turn to tears — even before the start of semester midterms. I wonder if it’s something I’ve done or if there’s some way I can help.

I have noticed a group of students who seem to stay happy longer. In addition to going to classes, these students can often be found in a small building on the outskirts of my grounds. The building stands out because of the big cross on its door. The sign out front reads “Catholic Newman Center.”

I’ve been watching this place for the past few semesters. At the start of the semester, there is always a gathering under a big tent on the front lawn with food and music. Then as the semester continues, the students go there for what seems like hours at a time. When they leave each night, their faces may show concern or worry, but they are still smiling.

I keep a watch on these smiling students. I follow them as they go to class and study. I notice that they take care of each other. They often connect at various times during the day and offer each other hugs and conversation in between classes. I’ve even seen one of these smiling students take time to check in on one of the students who has turned to tears. There is something different about the students who visit that Catholic Newman Center.

I’ve even seen these smiling students visit that building on Sundays. Most of the students in my dorms stay up late on Saturday night and don’t stir until noon on Sunday. And yet, every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., I see these Newman Center students walk to that building with the cross on its door. I don’t know what they do within its walls, but they are still smiling when they leave. It is not an empty smile either. It is the smile of a student who has found peace even amid a stressful semester.

As a university, I pride myself on being intelligent. Even though I don’t know what exactly happens within that building, I do know that it is helping my students stay happy longer. I hope that all my students learn about this special building on the outskirts of my campus. If I had one wish for you, new students, it would be that you would find that building and go inside to discover its secret. There is something special waiting for you if you pass through the door with the cross.

Sincerely,
Your New University 

Angie Pometto is the director of the Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministry.