I grew up in a Christian family, going to church every Sunday and youth group meetings every Saturday. I truly enjoyed my time growing up in the church, as it offered a respite from school and studying at home. In addition, I went to a Catholic high school, which preserved me from a lot of negative influences that tend to plague American teenagers. Thus, when I decided to come to Harvard, I made sure that there was a Christian club on campus which I could join. My church back home recommended Christians on Campus and I was soon connected with this group of believers. As I went on in my college career, making new friends and living on my own, I began to appreciate more and more what being a Christian and a member of His Body meant. Harvard, with all its great opportunities and stellar people, had much to offer me. However, I realized that the more that I pursued my ambitions, like getting good grades or being involved in more clubs, the more empty and desperate I felt inside. To use an analogy, it was like I was famished, but all I had to fill myself with was junk food, and the more I took in, the sicker I felt. I could not live like this, fighting an everlasting struggle to be at the top of the totem pole. During those times, the word of God and fellowship of the church was such a big help and salvation to me. Having weekly Bible studies, morning revival, and semester retreats allowed me to take a break from the rat race and renew my vision of what’s really important in my life. A verse from the Bible that really helped me during those times was, “And He died for all that those who live may no longer live to themselves but to Him who died for them and has been raised”(2 Cor. 5:15). No wonder I felt so dissatisfied pursuing my own ambitions and goals. I belong to the Lord, so my life should be lived to glorify Him. Being part of Christians on Campus has not only greatly helped my personal spiritual growth, but also helped me realize that I am a member of the one Body with all the other believers. Anything that I do, not only should I consider the Lord, but I should also consider the effects of my action on the Body. For “we who are many are one Body in Christ, and individually members one of another”(Rom. 12:5). God has given us the life of a member of His Body and we should use this life to care for and build each other up. Praise the Lord for such a revelation and such a practical living out during my time at Harvard!

D.D.
Harvard College Class of 2011