I'm Joey Pistonetti! That picture above is me at my Baptism!

Hello there! My name is Joey Pistonetti; as I am writing this, I am currently a junior at The University of Michigan, right in Ann Arbor! I have a major in Economics, with a minor in Writing. Some things I am involved with at school include Lions Club International, a volunteer organization, and Collegians For Christ, a bible study. Speaking of which, the latter group is what I would like to expand upon, along with the topic of faith too and how it applies to me!

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I was born and raised a Christian. In terms of denomination, I did go to school when I was quite young that was also paired with a baptist church, known as Dixie Baptist Church in Clarkston, Michigan. As I grew up, I attended different schools, both public and private, later attending a Catholic School and going to Catholic Church up until I graduated high school. As I made my way to the University of Michigan, I felt that I was only one small cog in a giant system; every day felt like I walked past new people I never seen, never knew, never heard, something that was much different for me. While the journey was exciting in some ways, it was overwhelming in other ways. Different thoughts were going through my head on whether or not I would make it at The University of Michigan. 

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Though it was difficult at times in certain ways, I began to realize something. I was on my own, I had the choice and the ability to change my college experience. So, one of my first choices was trusting that God was going to make this situation and experience a great one. Ultimately, He knew my future and had good plans for me, so I had to see that. I think one thing He was trying to show me was that there will be times that we wish we could alter or make our own good experience. But the difficult decisions and circumstances help shape us; it's how we choose to go about that is when it is important. So, I started trusting God on the situation and let Him guide me; I started reading my Bible more, doing devotionals, and spending time in prayer with Him, feeling His presence, comfort, and peace. One verse that applied to this situation was John 16:33 with Jesus saying, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

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As I continued through college, I joined a Bible Study called "Collegians For Christ," where I was able to meet with fellow Christians, have great discussions on different passages in the Bible, and meet some of my closest friends to this day. Throughout my time in college and in this bible study, I have realized the importance of fellowship and community with fellow Christians; and as a college student, it has helped me make good progress in school, go to different events with my friends, and stay connected with God and be in The Word. I have also reconnected with my old church (Dixie Baptist Church) and was baptized in August 2023. 

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I think one of the most important things I have learned is that God can give you amazing situations and a life-changing journey in a way you might not expect. My relationship with God has helped me grow as a person and find joy and peace in many moments of my college career, while also helping me stay focused in my classes. My goal is to help encourage other college students (or perhaps graduates) to find a community of other Christians or find salvation in Jesus Christ, being encouraged to have a strong relationship with God. We all have the free will to do this or not, but from my own experience and others' experiences that I have heard, it leaves a positive impact in people's lives. 

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If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me! I have different social media (see the menu bar for more information) and I also can respond through emails. I am always happy to have a conversation with others! You can also use the box below if you also have a question or comment!

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