The Christian Grad Fellowship helps students navigate their faith in academics
Holding onto spiritual beliefs in an academic setting can be difficult. The Christian Grad Fellowship meets every Monday from 6-7 p.m. in the Student Center room 2206 C to help students navigate a life of faith in academics. While geared towards graduate students, the club is open to everyone.
“[We are] happy to have as many people who want to have the experience with Christ in academics,” said Odongo. “Jesus Christ is not left in the church, he is still with us in the classroom.”
Graduate student and leader of the Christian Grad Fellowship group, Douglas Odongo starts the meeting in prayer on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 at the Student Center in Columbia, Mo. Odongo stated that he keeps his “date with God every Monday at six to seven” because of his philosophy of being a Christian first and a student second. English graduate student Sherell Williams shares her thoughts on the group’s weekly topic. “It can be discouraging because it’s easy for [students], and even professors as well, to cause you to doubt your faith,” said Williams. “To have other friends who are in different schools but are also graduate students and have the same faith as you can be really helpful to feel less alone.” Douglas Odongo teaches the group on this week’s topic “How to Program Your Mind.” “For me, my faith is like a relationship,” said Odongo. “There is a Christ who gave his life for me and he still watches over me.” Journalism graduate student Sharon Quintana Ortiz discusses the Bible verses for this week’s meeting. The group uses verses, quotes, videos and discussion to help each other through daily struggles and to grow in their faith.Postdoctoral Fellow Nikita McCree holds her phone as she reads the definition of “excellence.” The group discussion was often focused on a particular Bible verse or topic, but many of the students shared their thoughts on their personal life experiences as well.
