Pop. Candy. Video games. The very thought of going without these items seems unbearable until God gives you the strength. As the Lenten season gets into full swing, many around the school are giving up their favorite things to strengthen themselves and become closer to God through fasting, almsgiving and prayer.

For most people the hardest things to give up are the electronic devices that society seems to live on.

“I chose to give up my phone for Lent,” said Michael Olk, ‘16. “This challenge creates new opportunities for me to think more deeply, interact with people more personally, and, most importantly, pray more intentionally.”

Lent encourages people to fast from  luxuries and focus on others and our true necessities.

“I gave up spending unnecessary money because I love shopping and buying food,” said Madeline Hilby, ‘17. “I am also trying to pray for one different person every night.”

Others give up something not only to impact themselves, but also to impact those around them.

“I gave up swearing because I noticed that I did it quite often and I want to try to get rid of some negativity in my life,” Kirstin Apel, ‘17, said. “It has been a struggle, but I can see it is making me and others around me better as people.”

Ever since we were children, sharing has always been a struggle, making it a great thing to do for Lent.

“For Lent I gave up being selfish when it comes to food,” said Mathlynn Wonne, ‘18. “I’m the kind of person that loves sharing my stuff with other people, but when they ask for food from me, I tend to say ‘no’ in a rude way, so that’s why I gave up being selfish about my food.”

Aside from sharing food, giving up foods is a popular sacrifice during Lent.

“I gave up coffee because I have at least one cup a day and I enjoy it very much, so it would be a challenge for me to stop drinking it,” said Samuel Gilligan, ‘18.

Sometimes it’s best to be realistic when it comes to determining what one will give up.

“I was going to give up junk food, but Valentine’s Day came along and I just couldn’t be strong with all of the candy around,” said Olivia Ketoff, ‘18. “So, I decided to eat more healthy food to even everything out.”

Acts of kindness for others are another great way to practice almsgiving during Lent.

“In the past, giving things up for Lent hasn’t really worked for me because I forget or just gave up,” said Ivie Sprenger, ‘17. “So this year, I decided to compliment a new person each day, and then pray for that person throughout the day.”

Though the sacrifices we Catholics make throughout the Lenten season may be small, when added up, they  help us become  better people and make each of us stronger.