By Ema Bojaxhi, Staff Writer
As winter slowly fades and the season of renewal approaches, many students at River Hill High School take time to observe and/or participate in Lent, a sacred period of self-reflection, sacrifice and personal growth. For forty days leading up to Easter, Lent serves as a time for Christians to pause, reassess their lives, and commit to spiritual discipline. But beyond its traditional religious significance, Lent has also become a deeply personal experience that allows students to disconnect from distractions, strengthen relationships, and find new ways to express their faith.
For Junior Sharina Sen, Lent is about stepping back from the noise of everyday life and looking inward, “Lent is a time for me to step back from the hustle of daily life and focus on my spiritual journey. I use this period to assess my actions and align them more closely with my values,” she shares. With the fast pace of high school life, homework, extracurriculars, and social pressures, taking intentional time for self-reflection isn’t always easy. But for Sharina, Lent offers a structure, a reminder to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.
For others, Lent is less about solitude and more about community. Sophomore Ana Sofia sees this season as a chance to strengthen her bonds with family and friends: “Lent is about coming together with my family and community to support each other in our commitments, whether it’s giving up certain luxuries or dedicating time to service,” she explains. Whether it’s volunteering, attending church services together, or simply encouraging one another in their promises, Ana finds that the communal aspect of Lent makes it even more meaningful.
But not all sacrifices during Lent are about food or material luxuries. For Sophomore Mia Craig, the biggest challenge was stepping away from social media. “I decided to limit my social media usage during Lent. It’s been challenging but rewarding, as it has allowed me to be more present in my daily interactions,” she conveys. In an age where notifications and digital connections can be overwhelming, taking a break from constant scrolling has given Mia more time for face-to-face conversations, personal reflection, and meaningful moments that might otherwise be lost to a screen.
For some, Lent is also a chance to explore new forms of self-expression. Sophomore Charlotte Speckt has found a creative way to deepen her spiritual connection during this time, “I started a daily sketch journal during Lent to capture my thoughts and emotions. This practice has deepened my self-awareness and connection to my faith,” she reflects. Instead of giving something up, Charlotte decided to add something meaningful to her routine transforming her emotions, prayers, and reflections into art.
Ultimately, the lessons learned during Lent, patience, gratitude, and mindfulness, are not just temporary commitments but values that shape character long after the season has passed. Through their Lent experiences, students are reminded that growth often comes from challenge and that even the smallest acts of faith and discipline can leave a lasting impact and can strengthen their spiritual connection.