Lent and Beyond

by Katie Achilli
edited by Nalina Shapiro

In the Christian tradition of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter Sunday, some students are giving something up while others chose not to.

Lent is the annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter lasting 40 weekdays. Student Britt Nyzio is giving up many different things.

“I have given up swearing, over indulging in excess goods, buying more than I need, snacking, overuse of Facebook. And I am just overall trying to become a better person,” said Nyzio.

Others have chosen to give up things such as meat, coffee, fast food, candy and soda.

“I might give up chocolate or something like that, and maybe Chai,” said student Amy Carpentier. She also said, “I’m adding more prayer to my life throughout Lent.” Other students have also chosen to make positive changes in their lives, such as losing weight and getting better grades.

As a contrast, some students chose not to participate because they are not religious, are of a different religion, or just didn’t think about it.

“Give something up for Lent? I love everything too much,” said Keene State student Chris Cole.

Another Keene State student Hillary Atwood said, “I haven’t really thought about giving anything up! I sort of forgot that it was Lent soon. I’m really not sure if I’m going to give anything up this year.”

Wellesley College student Alexa Schultz said, “I don’t really participate in Lent anymore, so I am not giving up anything. Although I used to often give up salt and ice cream. One year I decided to pray more.”

According to USA Today and the calendar at BustedHalo.com, you don’t have to be Catholic to celebrate Lent. BustedHalo.com is a web site that combines spirituality with popular culture, without being exclusively Christian. The site suggests disciplines such as reducing your dependence on electronic devices for 24 hours.

Christian or not, Lent has made changes in people’s  lives  through fasting and discipline. It has brought pride of accomplishment and the feeling of good, while also helping some lose a few pounds.