I had the absolute pleasure of being a participant on Metanoia 16 this semester. Everyone was tested for COVID prior to the trip, so that wasn’t an issue we had to worry about (although masks were still worn and we were still social distancing). It was a weekend filled with introspection and love. In today’s world, it is truly uncommon to find yourself in a position where genuine vulnerability is fully accepted and encouraged. 

          The weekend of Metanoia started on February 19th with your typical introductions and  icebreakers. Everyone was buzzing with excitement and slight anxiety about what laid ahead for them, as a lot of the weekend and its schedule remained a secret. After a rather cold bus ride, we arrived at a beautiful retreat facility and were given our room keys. Once everyone was settled, the weekend’s activities truly began.

          These activities inspired participants to look inwards and ask themselves hard questions that are even harder to answer. I can not say too much about what we did, so if you’re curious then you will have to experience it for yourself. I will say this, though: if you’re looking for a place where open and honest discussions are used to further develop the individual and validate personal experience, Metanoia is the place for you.

          I had some reservations about partaking in the trip prior to our departure. The first and most prominent was that it is run by Campus Ministry, so I was expecting to be uncomfortable with the discussions and activities involving religion. However, upon arrival I realized this would be no issue for me at all. Although the trip is based in Christian belief, the environment is all-accepting in terms of peoples’ position in their faith journey. You will not have to worry about doing anything that you are uncomfortable with, but are invited to keep an open mind to the experiences available to you.

          I was also worried about going with a bunch of strangers. I only really knew a couple of people when the trip started, so I was anxious about meeting and getting to know so many new people. The structure and inherent bonding of Metanoia is enough to negate these worries. Through the activities and discussions that were had, experiences were shared, and strangers became friends. You will get to know those on your trip to a degree greater than you expect, sharing in the raw openness that is so rare but so prevalent in Metanoia.

          I 10/10 would recommend this experience to anyone who is interested. If you are on the fence, you can get more information about the trip on the Campu Ministry’s EngageU page. This is also where you can find the forms needed to apply to partake in the next Metanoia trip.