Going to college is a daunting decision. Applying to, or deciding on a school that is religiously affiliated, can bring a whole other set of feelings to the already complicated process. For those who have never attended a religious school or don't identify strongly with a particular religion, considering a school with strong religious ties may be scary.

Coming from a public high school, within a large Jewish community, I never thought I would end up at a private Catholic college in New England. While I was raised Roman Catholic, made my communion and confirmation, my family's religion never seeped into my schooling. And I liked it like that. Growing up I had my own struggles with identifying as Catholic, so keeping the two separate worked well (plus, who wants to wear uniforms anyways?).

But Stonehill fell into my lap, and became the perfect choice. Not at first anyways, but I eventually saw the college as the best fit for me. Now, being here for two years, I can't imagine why I even blinked at the thought of a religious institution. Despite not being an overtly religious individual, I am so grateful every day that I go to a Catholic school.

When you become a Stonehill Skyhawk, the word "hope" changes meaning. It becomes synonymous with our H.O.P.E. alternative break program, where you spend a week doing service and immersing yourself in a different culture. H.O.P.E. is on every students' undergraduate bucket list. While I've waited to apply for my first trip until next year, I am still in awe of this amazing opportunity my friends and classmates have taken advantage of. The perspectives it has changed, the bonds it has formed and most importantly- the social justice conversations is had sparked on campus are irreplaceable. If I didn't go to a school that was so driven to serve, because of its Catholic identity, I don't believe these opportunities would be so present and viable.

Same goes for Into the Streets, Stonehill's local outreach program. Whether you are delivering furniture with My Brother's Keeper, spending an afternoon at the House of Possibilities or tending to the field at The Farm at Stonehill, there's something for everyone to do. When you hear the term "Catholic school" the last thing you think of is garden hoes and box trucks. Yet, these items are extensions of Stonehill's Catholic mission. And without that, the Stonehill we have come to know and love, the Stonehill that cares, the Stonehill that serves, the Stonehill that seeks justice - would not be possible.

When I first came on campus and walked into a classroom, the sight of a crucifix above the bulletin board was unsettling. My dad laughed. Having been through Catholic schooling his whole life, he didn't think twice about an object which, in a classroom setting, was foreign to me. For some students, those little things can leave them wary - classroom crucifixes, priestly professors - but how quickly you realize that these items are small parts of what Stonehill is. While Stonehill provides so many amazing opportunities as a Catholic college, you don't need to know the "Our Father" to get accepted. There are outlets for other religious expression, whether it be driving a school van to a synagogue on Saturday, taking Buddhism as your religion requirement or simply praying on your own in your residence hall area.

Stonehill does not represent all religious schools. I would still do your homework before attending a religious university if you have any qualms. But, I can say Stonehill should serve as the poster child. Never once have I feel oppressed, overwhelmed or out of place because of my college's religious background. Over my four semesters in college, I have become increasingly appreciative of my school's Catholic roots, and I wouldn't change a thing.