Oakland University Religious Organization Cultivates Community

By: Evelyn Gandarilla 

In a dimly lit church basement a few miles off campus, 50 or more gather to worship, talk about God and participate in fellowship. The majority of attendees are curious minds hungry for purpose and meaningful relationships. 

YoungLife is an evangelical-based organization that aims to introduce young people to Jesus Christ on college campuses. YoungLife OU club meets every Friday night with a home cooked meal, acoustic worship, and small group sessions guided by a college-aged leader. 

Kayla Jungeberg is a recent graduate and has served as one of the six leaders for the past three years. A leader’s purpose is to deliver a message, guide small group discussions and engage in outreach across campus.

Navigating Religion and Sexuality On-Campus

By Rachel Reppert

Karen Arbitter attends Oakland University, Auburn Hills, Mich. She is a bisexual individual devoted to Christianity and God. Photo Courtesy Karen Arbitter.

“I am still a Child of God from day one till the end of time.”

Karen Arbitter, a bisexual Oakland University Student said. She is just one of many Christians who just happen to also be a part of the LGBT community.

Arbitter knew that she was bisexual back when she was 14 years old, but didn’t come out until last year. She was boy crazy for the first half of her life and when she turned 14 she started to have feeling for girls as well as boys. She has a stronger connection with females than she does males. She looks at men like her brothers than as her sexual partners.

Young Muslim women take off the hijab

By Thomas Butcher

The religion of Islam has long been associated with the traditional head scarf ,known as the hijab, worn by Muslim women. However, during more recent years in the United States, there appears to be a growing trend where younger Muslim women decide against it.

Arewa Hussain, age 23, is a senior at Oakland University, where she studies biology and history.

Linda Murray, age 19, is a freshman at Oakland University where she studies elementary education.

Shrooq Saleh, age 25, currently lives in Doha, Qatar.

I spoke to all these women and asked them a series of questions regarding the hijab and their faith.

Pictured: Arewa Hussain // Photo by Thomas Butcher.