Student Feature: Charity Simon

Commuter Life is featuring a former student Charity Simon as she reflects back on her experience as a commuter.

Charity completed her degree in public health – health promotion. Her original major was exercise science with the goal of becoming an occupation therapist. It wasn’t until after taking her classes that she realized she wanted to shift her degree to Public Health and pursue recreation therapy after college.

Charity grew up in Lynchburg and shared what the decision was like choosing to attend Liberty University.

“It was really convenient to attend a school so close by that I could live with my parents and save money. I also loved that it was a Christian university and I felt it helped me learn more about myself and develop my relationship with Christ before going further out into the world” Charity said.

While attending Liberty was initially a struggle due to her not being used to large schools before she came to appreciate what the experience did for her.

“A few things I learned at Liberty is to be mindful of my own mental health and how that needs to be nurtured just as much as your physical health. I also learned that you should not stress with making friends. Most of the friends I made was through my work” Charity said.

Being able to grow her faith at Liberty was very important to her. Mainly in how she views her relationship with Christ. While she initially accepted Christ as a 6-year-old it didn’t allow her to truly know what that type of relationship meant. Through the years she was able to change her mindset from it being viewed as a checklist of behaviors into her delighting in her relationship with Jesus.

From her time as a commuter Charity shares what she loved most.

“What I enjoyed most about being a commuter is the freedom to go where I need to at any time and a to have a larger space of my own where I don’t have to worry about noise levels” Charity said.

However, she noted a common feeling that commuter experience which is being disconnected. Charity initially felt this and shared that being intentional with your free time is the key to not feeling so isolated as a commuter.

Advice to commuters

Charity shared her advice is to get connected and take advantage of the people you interact with daily as well as attend events to foster relationships.

“My advice is to make the most of your classes. Don’t be afraid to sit next to someone and get to know them. Also take advantage of any events on campus. Whether it is a commuter event or student activities it can be great to get to know others while having fun” Charity said.

Watch Charity’s “Day in the Life” feature on the Commuter Life Instagram.