Students of Faith

College students speak about their religious experiences.

For those searching for a higher purpose, college can provide the ideal setting. With on-campus religious organizations and services that cater specifically to students, universities provide a safe haven for them to explore their beliefs. In addition, college is a place where students can abandon their religious practices altogether or venture into the unfamiliar. A 2003 study by the Higher Education Research Institute found that 77 percent of students pray and 70 percent attended religious services in the past year. While these numbers would indicate that a majority of students are in some way religious, skepticism is also common among college students, with 65 percent reporting that they question their beliefs occasionally. Below are the stories of five University of Florida students and their religious experiences.

CarlyCarly Fleisher

Jewish studies junior

Although Carly Fleisher was not raised adhering strictly to Jewish law, in college she began keeping kosher and is now more conscious of Judaism's impact in her life. Fleisher will soon be attending a Hebrew university in Jerusalem for six months.

AnthonyAnthony Hardy

Nuclear engineering senior

Anthony Hardy grew up Catholic but said there were aspects of the theology that he never identified with. In college, he met Muslim students who introduced him to Islam. Hardy is now Muslim but converting has produced some challenges.

BrittanyBrittany French

English senior

Brittany French felt her growth in her Christian faith had stagnated in high school. When French came to college, she became involved in a local student ministry that helped her better understand her faith. She will be leaving in a year to be a missionary in Ukraine.

TaylorTaylor Sincich

Religion junior

Taylor Sincich grew up in a Christian household and became interested in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy in high school. Today, he prescribes to both Buddhism and Judaism, and his friends have dubbed him a "BuJew."

MichaelMichael Belle

Political science graduate student

Michael Belle grew up Jewish but was agnostic by the time he was in college. Belle became a Christian while living in Washington D.C. during a break from school as an undergrad.