Our Stories
Allison Lightner - Sophomore
When I came to PSU last year, I knew that I wanted to get involved with a Christian group, but also being a townie I wanted to meet new people away from my local high school. I found that in RUF there was a wide range of people, in diversity, majors, years, and interests. I quickly became involved with RUF because I wanted to ground myself in the Word.
All throughout high school I went through the motions when it came to God and my spiritual journey. Being a freshman last year I was put through a lot with transitioning from high school to college: anxiety, trying to figure out my identity, depression, and figuring out what I want to do with my life. Let me tell you that the spring semester was very hard for me and I found a group of close friends in RUF that helped me through this time, and I was able to connect with others that had gone through the same things as
One of my favorite memories with RUF was when I went on the mission trip over spring break to DC. That opened my eyes to a different perspective of serving others, and that was a moment where I was 100% not stressed; something I hadn’t felt in a long time. Everyone goes through different trials in their journey of life and spiritual journey, mine just happened to bring me closer to God and lean on Him when I fell down. RUF provided a place and friendships to go to when I needed help with my freshman year. Entering into my sophomore year, I am beyond excited to get back to RUF to help freshmen through their year and to welcome them just as I was.
All throughout high school I went through the motions when it came to God and my spiritual journey. Being a freshman last year I was put through a lot with transitioning from high school to college: anxiety, trying to figure out my identity, depression, and figuring out what I want to do with my life. Let me tell you that the spring semester was very hard for me and I found a group of close friends in RUF that helped me through this time, and I was able to connect with others that had gone through the same things as
One of my favorite memories with RUF was when I went on the mission trip over spring break to DC. That opened my eyes to a different perspective of serving others, and that was a moment where I was 100% not stressed; something I hadn’t felt in a long time. Everyone goes through different trials in their journey of life and spiritual journey, mine just happened to bring me closer to God and lean on Him when I fell down. RUF provided a place and friendships to go to when I needed help with my freshman year. Entering into my sophomore year, I am beyond excited to get back to RUF to help freshmen through their year and to welcome them just as I was.
CJ Norton - Junior
I joined RUF almost immediately after arriving at Penn State. I’d been an active member of my church’s youth group in high school, so I was looking for something to get involved with in college. However, there was one huge difference I didn’t account for when I joined: high school youth group meets once a week, but at college (if you want) you end up living with your youth group. While most of the time this ends up being great fun, having a community where you can worship God and chill, it can also be very trying at times.
The people aren’t perfect and the RUF as a whole never claims to be perfect, in fact it explicitly claims to be imperfect. However, I’ve personally seen RUF striving to improve not only interactions within the community itself, but how it interacts with other communities around it. Being a member of RUF I have had an amazing time with my friends, but also struggled with conflict with others. The support and teachings that I have gained in RUF so far have given me a greater understanding of what life is going to look like as an active member of a Christian community after college. Above that, RUF has instilled me with a desire to be a leader in a Christian community and, I believe, has equipped me to achieve this.
The people aren’t perfect and the RUF as a whole never claims to be perfect, in fact it explicitly claims to be imperfect. However, I’ve personally seen RUF striving to improve not only interactions within the community itself, but how it interacts with other communities around it. Being a member of RUF I have had an amazing time with my friends, but also struggled with conflict with others. The support and teachings that I have gained in RUF so far have given me a greater understanding of what life is going to look like as an active member of a Christian community after college. Above that, RUF has instilled me with a desire to be a leader in a Christian community and, I believe, has equipped me to achieve this.
Elizabeth Curtis - Senior
Three years ago I started at Penn State with no thought given to joining a Christian organization. As I wandered around the Involvement Fair in the HUB, I stumbled across a group of students that had a love for making anyone and everyone feel welcome. That group of students were a part of RUF. Through my last three years in RUF my faith in God has grown tremendously. The biggest change I have seen is my trust in prayer. This has been so helpful as we navigate the stressful and difficult waters of college life. The friendships that have developed in the last three years are deep, meaningful, fun and loving. I am so excited to continue leading a small group in my senior year and being a part of our ministry team to constantly improve our ways to encourage others to trust God and build relationships with others. Can’t wait to see you all this fall!
