My name is Max Hostetter. I am entering my junior year at Colorado State University studying Chemical Engineering. I wanted to write a short letter offering my perspective on entering college and trying to find a Christian community amid the busyness of student life.
I suppose a bit of background is necessary. I grew up in a fairly typical, church-going family. I went to a high school where I made friends who also took their faith seriously, and I enjoyed the community I found. I made some lifelong friends and learned a surprising amount.
Heading off to college, I knew I wanted to keep pursuing my faith. I knew that CSU, being a fairly large school, had a lot of options when it came to Christian ministries. I visited a few different ones, each with their own unique “feel,” if you will. While I was impressed by every ministry I visited, I ended up at CSU’s Cru chapter. The people were welcoming and didn’t take themselves too seriously, which I appreciated immensely.
Stepping up as a leader in Cru was a bit of a leap of faith. Going into my sophomore year, I had recently switched majors and decided to co-lead a freshmen Bible study. I thought leading a study and participating in a sophomore study was going to be the end of me. Luckily, those few hours a week I spent were some of my most relaxing. I grew my existing friendships and became closer to some people I didn’t know very well my freshmen year. By committing to lead, I found myself investing more in my relationships, both with people in Cru and with people outside of Cru.
Moving into my junior year, I once again am co-leading a study. The structure has changed a bit, but I have a feeling that’s going to be a good thing. I look forward to growing closer with the friends I’ve made and fostering a place that allows incoming freshmen to have an experience just as good as mine.