More than a résumé: How faith shapes one ASU student’s college experience

One dedicated week each year, faith is in harmony. Every religion comes together and puts their differences aside. This week, Arizona State University is celebrating Interfaith Harmony. We are highlighting Islam, Christianity and Hinduism with three students from different cultures and backgrounds. Separately, their faith means something special to them, but together, beauty sprouts and the intersectionality shines through. 

For Kenneth Sheets, a senior majoring in chemistry at Arizona State University, his faith has become a source of stability amid the pressures of college. In a world where achievement is tied to one’s identity, his Christian faith has given him a new understanding of stress, failure and success.

“There have been numerous ways my faith has impacted the way I perceive academic challenges, stressors and decisions,” Sheets explains. “The change begins with the understanding that my academic performance does not dictate my personal value and identity, but rather the love that God showed through the sacrifice of Christ.”

Despite living in a culture that is essentially a “rat race,” Sheets understands the self-pressures that many students feel as they seek to create a mental résumé worthy of approval. “Occupation, hobbies, relationships, family and friends. There is a consistent internal struggle to receive the stamp of approval that I’ve done enough,” he says. 

Through his prayers and introspection, he has disconnected his sense of self-worth from the often fleeting outcome of his performance. “Frankly, it would never be enough, as long as my performance relies on the pursuit of a verdict always out of reach.” 

What his faith provides is a verdict already given, one that enables him to work hard without being burdened by the need to compare and measure his success. 

“Now, the performance stems from God’s decision already made,” Sheets said, adding that this enables him to be academically and socially engaged “without the constant pressure of both personal failures and accomplishments being tied to my sense of self-identity.”

When those setbacks come, as they inevitably do, his faith helps him look at those times differently. 

“In the times where I do fail, or I embarrass myself, I can rest in knowing this is not something that bears weight on my identity as a person,” Sheets says. Rather than holding him back, this gives him motivation to keep going. “Through my faith, I am pushed onward in diligence and love towards a greater purpose.”

Community has played an equally important role in his education. 

“Christian student groups, especially The Navigators, have been the place where I have found my place and consistent support at ASU. It is filled with such lovely people,” he said. “Many have supported me with their prayers, friendship, discipleship.” 

These connections have had an impact on his life. 

“I had never met a group of people so gracious, loving, genuine and hospitable until then,” he says. “And many of these relationships will extend beyond college.”

From an external perspective, Sheets finds that religious faith offers an opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue across cultures and belief systems. 

“Christianity teaches that the way we ought to interact with our neighbors is with respect, love and humility,” he says. 

Though there may be varying beliefs, Sheets finds common ground in shared human experiences.

 “All students can assert that there are things beautiful about the world that we rejoice in and admire, and things that are broken that we grieve over,” he said.

For Sheets, faith has not provided a refuge from academic challenges but has instead fostered perseverance. By finding his identity outside his grades and accomplishments, he has been able to achieve excellence without losing compassion, humility and purpose. 

His story demonstrates how faith not only benefits an individual but can also strengthen a community at ASU by fostering greater empathy.

To continue to learn more about Interfaith Harmony Week at ASU, check out Ritika Anand and Simra Maheen’s stories!