Different religions among students 

People all around the world follow different religions and different beliefs depending on where they are from or what they chose to believe in.   

“I chose to become atheist because the concept of religion or a god ruling over everyone’s life does not really make sense to me, I was raised catholic, but I started to stray from that religion once I started thinking about whether it actually made sense to me or not,” Sophomore Mia Bayarena said. 

Being atheist is not believing in any form of God. Bayarena was raised Catholic. Several people stray way from believing in any sort of religion and become an atheist. Students like Bayarena believe in science instead of believing or following what any God says.   

“A common practice would have to be specific types of witchcraft and offerings for our alters. We do not necessarily have anything that goes against our beliefs as long as you don’t harm others. We are also told we should not take more than we need, ” Freshmen Lynx Forrester said.  

Students like Forrester chose to believe in Wicca. Wicca is a modern Pagan religion. Forrerster chose to believe and follow their beliefs. In Wicca they believe in two major Deities which are the Tripple Goddess and the Great Horned God. Wiccans also believe in eight major holidays called Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasa, Autumn Equinox, and Samhain. Believing in Wicca also means extensive use of the five elements earth, wind, water, fire, and spirit.  

“A common Christian practice that I follow that is a part of my religion is going to church every Sunday or saying prayers or grace before every meal. I feel as though going to church every Sunday is my way of showing respect towards Jesus,” Freshmen Gavin Olsowsky said.  

Christianity has serval branches; they have three major ones and a couple minor ones. Olsowsky was raised Christian. They believe that you should follow the ten commandments and be loyal to only him. Christians believe you should not judge others and force your religion on others. 

“I completely agree with everything in my religion like not being able to smoke, drink, and not being able to eat pork. I believe that everything that God said to do is what I am supposed to be following,” Sophomore Othmane Lakhdar said. 

Students like Lakhdar follow Islam, he was born and raised into the religion. They practice the five pillars Shahadah, Salat, Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj. They must pray five times a day before sunrise, afternoon, late afternoon, sunset, and evening. They believe in one God.

“A holiday I follow is Diwali which is the festival of lights. Diwali is also the Hindu new years. It celebrates the good over evil and light over darkness,” Freshmen Keshav Harpal said. 

Hindus believe in Brahma. Brahma is known as “The Creator”. He comes in many forms such as Vishnu and Shiva. To worship and pray to Gods, Hindus go to mandir mostly every Sunday. Mandir is a Hindu temple.  Hindus like Muslims cannot eat pork, they believe it is a dirty animal and is unhealthy for the body.  

“I personally respect other people beliefs; I think everyone has the right to choose their own religion even if your family has different beliefs,” Freshmen Angee Kamel said.