STUDeNT TESTImONiaLS

United Campus Ministry strives to make a lasting impact in the lives of our students. Read the experiences of some of our former students.

  • KAYLEE c/o 2025

    I first connected with UCM during my first semester at UH in the fall of 2022 through Cat’s Back, a campus event designed to help new students discover student organizations.UCM has significantly impacted my personal, spiritual, academic, and career growth. On a personal level, UCM helped me learn to open up and trust others. I’ve struggled with social anxiety for years, and after the isolation of the pandemic, socializing felt even more challenging.

    I was also initially hesitant, because not every space is genuinely inclusive, which was especially important to me, as I had been questioning my gender identity. Joining UCM made socializing feel less intimidating, because Pastor Tamika and the students worked hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

  • TOSIN C/O 2026

    I first discovered this program because I saw the posters about the free food pantry. However, after attending other events, I realized it’s more than just free food and good vibes; it is a haven, unselfishly giving and working to provide students with the support they need spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. It is a community of children of God building and keeping safe spaces that accept people as they are and give the love Christ first gave. Within the walls, I feel safe and heard, and it's not so often I feel that way, especially in college, so this is a treasured place in my heart.

  • Sophie c/0 2025

    UCM is a positive place for students because a student doesn’t have to be a certain religious affiliation or any other classification to seek help, safety, guidance, and more. Students need organizations like UCM because sometimes people aren’t very religious, or maybe they are at a dead end in life, and when that happens, they just need (not anyone) but the right someone to be there for them. I think UCM is the right “person” or thing

  • SAMANTHA C/0 2023

    UCM has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. I have gained so much knowledge about the word and what it feels like to have a loving and supportive community. UCM allows me to be authentic and has provided me with a safe place to discuss and worship. Overall, I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of UCM and for all of the connections I have made through UCM

  • Jimmy c/o 2022

    When I wasn’t studying for my language courses, I practiced meditation and was captivated by philosophical questions. What I liked about UCM was the mission trips they have with students, as I was invited on their last one to Alabama, and found that it is a great way to learn through experience. There was little presence of any organized Buddhist community on campus. UCM was an important source of community for me, as I had always felt that they appreciated my presence and perspective, and that I could relax and be myself in their suite. I sincerely thank UCM for deepening my spiritual understanding, for being part of my learning journey, for their loving presence, and for being a good friend.

  • Lilith - ucm alum

    Hi, my name is Lilith. I'm a freshman computer science major, and I got involved with UCM through the food pantry. I wanted to be able to help people and make the world a better place by helping those in need get food. Getting to connect with people through the food bank has been great.If anyone is considering volunteering with UCM, I say Do it! They're wonderfully accepting, no matter who you are. I'm not religious or spiritual in any way, yet I've felt accepted just as much as someone who is.

  • EVAN C/O 2023

    When I was an undergraduate, I remember how important it was to me to have a welcoming space to explore myself, and I was glad to be introduced to UCM! It has been great to stop by the UCM space and chat for a while, and I have really appreciated the welcoming support that UCM provides to students as they grow and find their identity. I still actively volunteer with high school youth through my church, and I know that right after high school, it is crucial to have spaces like this that welcome questions and encourage conversations. The support from UCM helped me too, because with returning to school for a master's degree and a career shift into social work, I had a lot going on, so I am grateful that UCM was there!"

  • Edward C/O 2026

    Before joining this community, you can say I was quite shaky with my faith.At one point during high school and especially the  height of the covid pandemic , Its safe to say I was a Christian in name only and if you pressed me back then to stick to label I would have said I was an atheist. I promised my mom I would find a faith community on campus mostly because I knew it would keep her happy. I was walking around by myself until I came by Pastor Tamika and another student just sitting there with the trifold. I was told they represented United Campus Ministries and that they were a progressive christian group trying to teach the word of God. Hearing the words progressive Christian automatically hooked me so I didn't need to hear anything else , not even the free dinner at bible studies. From then I attended every bible study I could , learning more and more about God and the bible .Thanks to the UCM l community that grew over the years, I felt  my connection to faith and through that my connection to the holy spirit grew  overtime. I finally understood what God is/was . God is someone who is patient, kind, loving , and a liberator , and partner and so much more that I cannot describe.



  • MARSAY C/O 2026

    Lost, unfulfilled, confused,  and misunderstood are just a few of the disparaging emotions that coursed through me on a day-to-day basis during my early college career. I yearned for community, I yearned to be better, I yearned to be loved. I was curious about faith. I knew I needed guidance, I knew I needed a hand to hold, but I did not know where to look.

    As a hungry college student roaming around campus, I stumbled across UCM'S. CAYA — Come As You Are. a bible study with free dinner with the intent of learning about faith. For once in my life, I followed instructions and did exactly what was prompted. I came as I was. Which I now  see was no one but the holy spirit. Since my early college years up until now, I have been an active member of UCM.  through nurturing our gardens, fellowship,  networking, and community building.  I was able to see those questions I had about faith play out in real time. What was once curiosity became reality.  God is bigger than I ever imagined. While I am still growing in meaningful ways , I can now proudly root myself in my ability to communicate, love, and guide others to better understand themselves. in their faith.