Student Reverts to Catholicism at Newman Guide College

Sarah Driessen says that a faithful Catholic college recommended in The Newman Guide was “extremely pivotal” in shaping the direction of her life.

“Before attending Campion College, I had rejected my Catholic faith and was practicing as a Protestant,” explained Driessen, who graduated from Campion College in Toongabbie East, New South Wales, in 2019. “By the end of my first year at Campion, I had come back to the Catholic Church.”

The Cardinal Newman Society recently caught up with Driessen to learn about the education and formation she received at Campion College.

CNS: Can you tell us about your experience at Campion College?

Sarah Driessen: My time at Campion College was extremely pivotal to the trajectory of my life. After receiving a leadership scholarship from Campion College, I tentatively withdrew my acceptance to the University of Queensland and enrolled at Campion on the last possible enrolment day. Since then, I have never looked back. The one word I can use to describe my experience at Campion College is: formative. Our studies journeyed chronologically through the history of Western civilisation, with the assistance of the great classic books. I studied the core subjects of philosophy, theology, literature, and history. By my third year, I had the option to choose a major, and I chose history. It was beautiful to see how all the subjects complimented each other and came together to form a holistic understanding of the world today. Moreover, the culture on campus was like no other—it was one big family—a diverse group of people forged in friendship, and the pursuit of goodness, beauty and truth.

CNS: How did Campion College help you grow in your faith, and form you as a person?

Sarah Driessen: Before attending Campion College, I had rejected my Catholic faith and was practicing as a Protestant. By the end of my first year at Campion, I had come back to the Catholic Church. I came to revert through studying the early Church Fathers and the history of Christianity. As well as truly coming to know Christ through the Eucharist, and witnessing my friends live out their Catholic faith.

By studying western civilisation alongside like-minded people, I was able to grow in faith, friendships, virtue, critical thinking, knowledge, and wisdom. After encountering the liberal arts as taught at Campion, I simply could not view things in the way I used to. I felt as though I had clarity in my understanding of the world and my purpose.

I always treasure my three years at Campion College. All the friendships I gained during my time have remained in my life and are some of the closest I have today. I am certain that without Campion, I would not be the person I am today.

CNS: How did Campion College prepare you for the work you do today?

Sarah Driessen: I am a semi-stay-at-home mom. I run a small business and do work every so often… I work as a heritage consultant, and I only do one project at a time… I am currently finishing a conservation management plan for an old Catholic Church in Orange NSW. I write the history on the building, help with future designs that are appropriate to its old architectural style, and help with future management.

Campion prepared me to be a stay-at-home mom through the formation it gave me as a Catholic. My days are filled with trials. I am constantly trying to grow in virtues, especially patience, offer up sufferings and lead my children towards Christ. Campion taught me to have a holistic and eschatological mind, to focus on what truly matters: my daily duties and focusing on the eternal (God’s plan for me).

Campion taught me all these things but especially a yearning and love for knowledge, which I try to teach my children. Campion also revealed to me how much I was lacking in my education before attending, so I am trying to guide my kids in the right direction in terms of faith formation and classical learning.