About Tony and Me

What does it mean to be a Christian on a college campus? What does it mean if you are employed by the state? What does it mean if your work environment leans dramatically left and your co-workers are on the border of hostility towards followers of Jesus?

Several years ago I graduated from college and began working in higher education, specifically in residence life. I became a Hall Director with the desire to impact students, help them discover who they are, how they make meaning, and their purpose. In my first year, I met Tony. Tony is an energetic, hilarious, and devoted Resident Advisor (RA). I supervised Tony for two years and have since moved to a different institution. In my conversations with him, and many others, I soon recognized that living as a Christian in the world is more complicated than I had planned, or is often portrayed. What I learned in church was hard to articulate on the college campus - I am challenged with how to embrace and challenge students while being truthful and relevant. 

 I’ve had to re-think how to be a follower of Christ. I’ve had to re-examine how I relate, when I speak up, and how to keep my job. 

 Not all of these letters are to Tony, and occasionally I’ll use a pseudonym. I would love to be in dialogue with others who are working through these same challenges, whatever your job title or belief system.

(If you don’t want to leave a comment here, you can email me at: hopefulinsider@gmail.com)