I am from Brazil, and I came to the US to pursue new academic goals and acquire experience of living abroad. It has been an awesome phase in my life. But there are also some sacrifices because it is not easy to be far from home, family, fiancé, and friends, and besides that, the research work can be very demanding. Being part of this community of faith has been a great joy to my heart, where I can grow in faith and form great friendships.

— Leonardo Cavalcanti, Ph.D Student at OSU

It was a huge change going from a small Catholic liberal arts school in Texas to a large public university in Oregon! Right after I moved here, however, I was connected with the young adult group, and immediately welcomed into the community. I found in this group a place of comfort and solidarity with other graduate students facing similar challenges. I found a place to relax and have fun with a lot of like-minded people. I found a community which supports me in my faith and encourages me to grow holier.

— Colette Ohotnicky, Graduate Student at OSU

I moved to Oregon from Georgia after completing graduate school to begin my career as an Occupational Therapist. I was so happy to move to Corvallis to be near my family, and I loved St. Mary’s, but something was missing: a faith community of my peers. I prayed for God to lead me and surround me with people that would draw me closer to Him. My prayers were overwhelmingly answered 3 years ago when I joined the young adult group. What began as a bible study has expanded to include a variety of ways to grow in faith. The community has also provided me with friends that support me in both good and difficult times, all with God at the center.

— Brooke Miranda, Occupational Therapist