With midterms ending, Trinity University’s student-led organizations are doubling down on efforts to encourage students to take a breather, especially through inclusive social events. Chapel and Spiritual Life (CSL) hosts a variety of discussions aimed toward this goal, each with the purpose of helping students feel safe.
CSL is an umbrella term for three different faith-based groups: Multi-faith, Christian and Spiritual Life. All of these groups have student leaders, CSL Fellows, who plan, lead and encourage discussion and interaction among the attendees. The fellows also serve as assistants to multiple events hosted by the Chapel.
Most CSL events happen on a biweekly basis. One event, Dinner and Dialogue, is a space for students to gather, enjoy a meal together and participate in a discussion centered around commonly faced issues. Aaliyah Jones, junior political science major, is a CSL Fellow representing the Christian Life team. She said that the fellows try to keep their topics relevant to people’s real lives and the stages that come with life.
Most of the meetings have attendees from different backgrounds, resulting in diverse opinions and experiences. Despite the name suggesting that students are required to speak, Jones said, the primary purpose of Dinner and Dialogue was to provide somewhere safe for students to gather. The events are often hosted in the Chapel’s two reception rooms, with low light, cozy chairs and couches and plenty of breathing room while you eat or drink.
“You can come in and sit perfectly quiet and still eat. It’s a safe space if you just want to eat and listen to people. We welcome that, too,” Jones said. “We just hope that through your experience, you come to learn that this is a safe space for you to talk when you’re ready to talk and whatever you want to talk about.”
Michelle Okyere, senior psychology major and CSL Fellow representing the Christian Life team, said Dinner and Dialogue is an event that welcomes people, no matter what spirituality, to explore Christianity to the extent that they would like to.
“When I first transferred here two and a half years ago, I was looking for a place I can nurture my faith,” Okyere said. “It was a place to just get to know people as well as get to know your faith. I feel like that aspect of it is really what drew me to it.”
All three teams desire for the events to be a welcoming, safe space for any student who needs one. Mikaela Zibby, senior biology major, is on the Multi-faith team and said that she joined because she wanted to work against the assumption that CSL events are only for self-identified Christians.
Interfaith Tea, according to Zibby, is all about bringing people of different faiths, spiritualities and beliefs together to talk openly about their opinions. It is an event open to anyone looking to learn more about a religion.
“Everyone on the team is picked because they are good people, non-judgmental and are open to learning about different religions and different beliefs. It doesn’t even have to be a religion, we try to make the space, whatever we hold, for people to [be] as inclusive as we try to be,” Zibby said. “It’s just tea and cookies and chatting about whatever might be in your head that week.”
Zibby also said that this event typically gets a good mix of perspectives and beliefs from different students, so a lot of groups get adequate representation. Baz Hurt, junior English and communication double-major, is on the Multi-faith team and said that they love the fact that their team provides a space for people who don’t feel like they have anywhere else to go.
“I think the main thing to keep in mind, honestly, is that we hold these events because we want to meet students and connect with students,” Hurt said. “Any event you see advertised, you will be welcomed at, and we will be excited that you’re there.”
