Meet our students: carol staples
In Fall 2024, we’re partnering with St. Philip and Corpus Christi parishes to bring you a series of stories about USI students and local Catholic young adults from our parishes. These stories are shared in the parishes’ monthly magazine, “Come and See.” The stories about USI students will also be included in our Alumni & Friends Newsletter.
Carol Staples
Major/ Minor: English Teaching with a Secondary Education minor
School: University of Southern Indiana
Graduation Year: 2026
Tell us about a time your faith has been tested in college. How did you handle it?
A time my faith has been tested in college is during the middle of each semester when assignments and exams start to pile up. I find myself prioritizing school over my faith. Ultimately, I end up feeling more stressed when I turn away from the Lord. However, I have a great support system through Eagle Catholic. When I have neglected prayer for a few days, one of my friends will invite me to Mass or adoration, and the fire for my faith is reignited. Leaning on my support system has been crucial to staying strong in my faith during college.
Tell us about a faith mentor who has helped you on your journey so far.
I work at a summer camp called Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center. Growing up, I looked up to a variety of the staff members who were very strong in their faith and lived their faith so boldly. I have had the pleasure to work alongside some of my mentors. One mentor in specific would be my long-time counselor, Karina Romero. She has taught me so much about how to love Jesus and others. She is currently the youth minister for the Diocese of Owensboro. Now that I am a staff member, I have young campers looking up to me. I hope I set a good example of how to live out the faith just like my mentors did for me.
Tell us how God is working in your life right now.
The Lord has blessed me abundantly since coming to USI. I am honored to be a part of a growing community with Eagle Catholic which is centered around Christ and fellowship. I am currently leading and participating in a Bible Study and receiving Formation from a FOCUS missionary. I am surrounded by so many people who are strong in their faith and have a deep desire to know Jesus.
How can we pray for you?
I would appreciate prayers for peace of mind, trust in the Lord, and for all college students who do not know God or have fallen away from their faith, that they would return to the Father.
