Lent is a season of reflection and sacrifice in order to deepen one’s relationship with God. Some choose to give up physical items while others focus on habits.

Many Marist students have used Lent to give up things they believe will be challenging for them. Often times, these things distract them from their faith. 

Student John Elrod, a junior, took a different approach this year. “I gave up procrastination and putting important things off that could be done now,” Elrod said. “It was hard at first, but I noticed I felt more in control and less stressed,” he added.

For sophomore Ellyce Charles, the challenge was physical. “Only drinking water for 40 days was a mental challenge for me, but I’m glad I did it,” Charles said. “It helped me realize how much I relied on sugary drinks and made me feel physically healthier,” she added.

Other students gave up social media, junk food, or video games. A few students even focused on doing more acts of kindness instead of giving something up.

Whether it was a big or small change, many students said the experience helped them grow in discipline and faith. Junior Charlie Kaufman believed “he felt a sense of renewal.”

In our community, Lent remains a special time where students take personal steps toward self-improvement, faith, and reflection, one sacrifice at a time.