I've often called myself the "Lone Ranger at (my) CINO college" because I don't often meet other students who share the same beliefs as I do. I had a few friends like that last semester, and we didn't really get our little group together until the last third of the semester, but some of the gals left and the others are taking different classes for their non-Religious Studies major. This semester I'd gone back to being the Lone Ranger in my Religious Studies courses but I feel more confident speaking up so it wasn't as daunting as it had been during the Fall. Most of my classmates seem to agree with my professors' liberal agenda and no one else has dared to question them. Well, that was the case until this morning. All I did was make the decision to study in the cafeteria instead of the library or the commons. I believe God took care of everything else.
As I've said, it looks like the general consensus seems to be that my professors are absolutely brilliant and that they know everything; everything they teach is right and should be accepted as is. Now, I'm not saying that they aren't intelligent women. They definitely know their material but it also doesn't mean that it's always compatible with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A lot of what is taught isn't (and I've had one professor acknowledge that, though she is required to teach what the Church's stance is on a number of issues, she doesn't because she isn't in agreement with "them") and that is when I have my "issues" with them. I don't think I know more than they do, because I honestly don't, but I know enough to know what is and isn't true in regards to the teachings of the Church. I do agree with them when they say that women and minorities should be treated with more respect. I also agree that it's important for us women to be well educated. That kind of "girl power" I'm totally on board with. It's when it goes to the extreme that we once again clash. There is one class in particular that I don't speak up as much as I do in the others because of the professor's reactions... and it is that class that is bringing some of us "traditional conservatives" together.
I'd just finished my breakfast and was getting ready to take my first exam (I am lucky enough to be able to decide what time I do my exams) when a classmate found me sitting in the cafeteria and asked me if I was done studying. I was but something told me to stay for an additional half hour. It turned out to be the best decision. We studied briefly together, quizzing each other on specific terms and ideas, and that eventually led to our talking about our beliefs. Guess what... there's more of us out there at the CINO college. And so it became the Lone Ranger plus one.
The thing I have to remember is that I can't stay silent about my beliefs. As much as I hate arguments and as much as I try to avoid them, I just can't sit there and "look pretty" while someone bashes Catholicism or says something blasphemous. I'm too passionate about the Truth to not share it. Unfortunately, I think there are too many of us (and I include myself because sometimes I don't feel courageous enough to say certain things) are too intimidated by certain professors so we stay silent. I keep wondering how many of "us" there are at the CINO because we all seem to be hiding in the shadows. I hope that our little group of two will grow as the semester goes on because I truly believe that we need to have that kind of support system, especially at a college like ours.
One good thing about this new friendship (or partner in crime if you want to think of it that way, lol) is that it'll help keep me charitable in my thoughts and words when thinking and speaking about my professors. I've been trying really hard not to call my nun prof the "heretical nun" (last priest I confessed this to laugh while shaking his head) and to be generally kinder despite what they may say and/or teach. I managed to do that today when speaking to my classmate about what goes on in her class. I can easily "go there" (I can be fluent in sarcasm if I allowed myself) when all the buttons have been pushed repeatedly but I'm getting better at it. By the way, I didn't trouble with this until I got to this school so I hope I can keep myself out of trouble. You know... not having to confess this regularly, though I will every time I do it. To quote a professor when speaking about me "the Catholic guilt is alive and well" within me. ;) Also, we both prayed for the intercession of St. Joseph of Cupertino prior to the exam. I don't think I've ever prayed with another classmate, in school no less, so I'm terribly excited about that too. :D Thank you, God, for answering my prayers of finding more like-minded people at the college.
Anyway, just wanted to say that if you're in the same situation as I am, you are not alone. I believe there are many of us in the same boat. All we have to do is stay firm in our beliefs and we'll eventually find others who feel the same way. :)
I'm functioning (if you want to call it that) on 3 hours of sleep so I will stop here. I'm sure I repeated myself and possibly rambled on. If so, I'm sorry. lol. :D I hope everyone has a great weekend.
As always, thanks for reading and God Bless. :D
