Catholic – anneschwebel.com

Three times a year, Texas State students who attend Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish put on a retreat, Bobcat Awakening (BA for short), for other students. I was lucky enough to attend BA #43 in the spring of 2015.

I went into the weekend not knowing much about what to expect. I have a couple of friends who attended previous BAs, but I never really talked to them about what actually happened while they were on it.

It had been a while since I had been on a retreat, so I was a little nervous about going. After almost backing out last minute, I decided that attending BA #43 would be in my best interest, considering I had already turned down the opportunity to attend a previous BA and let me tell you, I am so thankful that I decided to go.

There are many things that make BA unique, but there are three things in particular that stand out to me the most.

1. The People

For starters, through the retreat I met a lot of amazing people, many of whom have become some of my best friends. Not only that, but I am now involved in the BA community, and now have the opportunity to staff future BA retreats to give back. All of the staff members I encountered on my BA were so welcoming and you could tell they really cared about the retreat goers.

2. The Activities

I don’t want to give too much away in case you decide you want to attend BA, but the various activities planned throughout the weekend were great. Each one was set up in a way that allowed you to get to know the other retreat goers, as well as learn things about yourself. I walked away from that weekend with a better sense of who I am and the direction I want to go with my life.

3. The Faith

Although the retreat is put on by students from the Catholic Student Center, the retreat is not just for Catholic students – it is open to any student. When I attended BA, I wasn’t super strong in my faith. While on the retreat, I developed a passion to learn more and pursue my faith. Since the retreat is run by college students for college students, it was really helpful to see the staffers, who dedicated their time to plan and prepare for the retreat, act as mentors, and encourage the retreat goers along the way.

Looking back at where I was in my faith before the retreat, and where I am now, I am beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to attend. I learned so much about myself and what it means to be Catholic, and for that I am forever grateful.