College Reflections: Struggles, Faith, and Friendship.

College is a time of discovery, challenge, and growth. For Layla and Mike, it was also a season of transformation in their journey of faith and discovery. Through these letters written to themselves, they reflect on their experiences navigating college life—Mike, who arrived with a firm Christian background, and Layla, who found faith along the way. Their struggles, doubts, and victories paint a picture of what it means to hold onto faith in an environment that often challenges it.

Letter from Mike – Sophomore Year, Fall Semester
Dear Me,

College isn’t what I expected. Coming in, I was sure my faith would remain unshaken, but I was wrong.

At home, Christianity was easy—church every Sunday, youth group on Wednesdays, and Christian friends who reinforced my beliefs. But here? It’s different. Professors question everything, classmates mock “religious” people, and it feels like faith is something to be hidden. I can’t count how many times I’ve been called naïve or old-fashioned for believing in God.

The first few weeks, I tried joining Christian clubs, but even there, I found people struggling. Some gave up on faith altogether. It scared me. I started wondering—am I just following what I was taught, or do I truly believe?

I miss the certainty I once had. But I’m holding on. I’ve been reading my Bible more, asking hard questions, and praying for strength. It’s not easy, but I won’t give up. I know God is real, even when doubt whispers otherwise.

Hang in there, Mike. You’re not alone.

Letter from Layla – Junior Year, Spring Semester
Hey Future Me,

Can you believe it? You’re not the same person who started college two years ago. Back then, faith was just something “religious people” did. But now? Now, Jesus is everything.

Remember freshman year? Partying every weekend, doing whatever felt good, and thinking that was freedom? Turns out, freedom isn’t in wild nights but in knowing who you are and whose you are.

It started with that random invite to a Bible study. You almost didn’t go, but something pulled you there. And boom—that was it. A whole new world opened up. At first, it felt weird—how could something as ancient as the Bible matter in today’s world? But the more you listened, the more it made sense. Jesus wasn’t just a figure in history; He was real. And He wanted you.

There were struggles, of course. Old friends didn’t get it. Some laughed, some distanced themselves. But then God sent new friends—ones who prayed with you, encouraged you, and showed you what real love looks like. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

I hope you never forget how far you’ve come. Stay close to God. Keep growing. He’s got big plans for you.

Letter from Mike – Sophomore Year, Spring Semester
Dear Me,

I almost walked away from my faith this semester. Almost.

The pressure got to me. Late-night talks with skeptical friends, the constant push to “open my mind” and “stop being closed off.” It wore me down. I started skipping church. Praying less. Making small compromises that didn’t seem like a big deal at first.

But God didn’t let me go.

One night, I hit rock bottom. I felt empty. The things I thought would make me happy—acceptance, fitting in, going with the flow—left me drained. So I did something I hadn’t done in weeks: I prayed. Really prayed. And you know what? I felt peace.

I realized faith isn’t about always feeling strong. It’s about clinging to God even when everything tries to pull you away. I’m back now—back to seeking, back to trusting, back to knowing that Jesus is enough.

Stay strong, Mike. You’ll make it.

Letter from Layla – Junior Year, Summer Break
Hey Me,

You made it through junior year! Can you believe how much has changed?

Remember Mike? The one who’s been a Christian since forever? You two had that deep talk the other night. Turns out, he struggled way more than you thought. It’s crazy—he thought faith would be easier because he grew up in it, and you thought it was impossible to believe because you didn’t. But here you are, walking this faith journey together. God works in the wildest ways.

This year has been a rollercoaster. Classes, friendships, figuring out the future—it’s overwhelming sometimes. But God keeps showing up.

If I could tell you one thing, it’s this: keep trusting Him. The best is yet to come.

Letter from Mike – End of Sophomore Year
Dear Me,

God is faithful. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned.

I thought faith would always feel strong, but now I know it’s about choosing Jesus daily, even when it’s hard. Layla’s story reminded me that God is still changing lives—mine included.

Next year will bring new challenges, but I’m not afraid. I’m not alone. And neither are you.

Keep the faith, Mike.

Final Words

Faith in college isn’t easy, but it’s worth fighting for. Layla and Mike’s journey shows that struggles, doubts, and challenges don’t mean the end of your faith in God—they can be part of its strengthening. Whether you’re holding on tightly or just starting to believe, know that God is always near, guiding you through every season. Keep seeking, keep growing, and never forget—you are never alone.