In an era where phrases such as “be yourself” and “be authentic” dominated conversations, students at California Baptist University navigated self-discovery during a pivotal season of transition. As students adjusted to college life, many worked to find their place in the world and clarify what they hoped to achieve.
Many viewed college as a time of independence and personal exploration. For Christian students, that process sometimes included discerning what aligned with Christ-like living and what reflected worldly influence. Christian teaching emphasized living in the world without being shaped by it.
Students were encouraged to approach self-discovery through a Christian worldview, remaining authentic not only to themselves but also to Scripture. While phrases such as “be yourself” and “be authentic” were not inherently harmful, students and faculty emphasized the importance of grounding identity in biblical principles.
Maria Striplin, counseling ministry graduate student, described her spiritual and personal growth as closely connected.
“I believe that … every problem, every trial that we have in life,” Striplin said, “we should always be looking to … the Bible and back to the Lord.”
Striplin said returning to Scripture and seeking God supported her growth during the college transition. She said opportunities at CBU and involvement in biblical community both on and off campus helped her navigate common cultural messages.
“Asking friends to get … deeper understanding of why they live their lives in those certain ways,” Striplin said, prompted her own faith to grow.
She said turning to other followers of Jesus within a biblical community strengthened her foundation in Scripture.
Dr. Sandra Romo, professor of communication and program director for the strategic communication program online, shared a similar view of growth.
“If there’s something that I want to grow in personally, I look at that under the idea of like a spiritual exploration,” Romo said.
Romo said personal growth occurred when she adopted and lived out a Christ-like perspective. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong biblical foundation while navigating a secular culture. Romo also said being intentional about media consumption supported spiritual and personal growth.
“I try to consume as much content as I can that keeps me grounded in biblical truths and principles,” Romo said.
She said resources such as podcasts, worship music and church attendance helped her remain confident in her faith.
Programs such as chapel also played a role in student growth at CBU. Romo and Jade Mukenge, freshman political science major, said chapel provided support for students still discovering their identity.
“And I feel like having those … weekly chapels is something that helps with… what you might be going through,” Mukenge said, “because they don’t know what you’re going through, but they’d be talking about things that resonate with you.”
Students said balancing spiritual growth and self-discovery required intentional effort amid outside pressures. Approaching personal development through a biblical lens allowed students to grow in faith while discovering who they were becoming.
For many college students, self-discovery involved remaining consistent in their faith. As students practiced Christ-like attitudes, those behaviors became a more natural part of daily life.
