Newmanite Profile: Matthew Blackmon
| College | East Carolina University |
| Major/Minor | Double major Computer Science & Philosophy w/ minor Science |
| Age | 21 |
| Hometown | Plymouth, NC |
| Hobbies/Interests | Fishing, Programming, Running, Debate, Writing, Video Games |
| Favorite Class | Computer Science Classes |
| Favorite Place to Eat | Mom's kitchen |
| Favorite TV Show | The Journey Home (EWTN) |
| Favorite Band/Musician | Between Blind Guardian, Dragonforce, and Rammstein |
| Favorite Web Site | www.clubhouse.ecu.edu/newman and Google.com |
| Favorite Movie | Lord of the Rings (All 3) and Star Wars (All 6) |
| Dream Job | Software Engineer, CEO/CIO |
| Can't live without | God, Cindy, and Family and Friends |
How does the Newman Center assist you in your faith journey?
The newman center has served as a safe-haven from the hustle and bustle of college life. Before I started coming to the newman center life seemed so hectic and disorganized and I really didn't have any places to go where I could just sit and relax and just organize my life in a spiritually supported way. I went on the Fall 2008 retreat and it really helped to reel me into the community and now I go to mass about twice a week (Wednesday for mass/dinner and Sunday). What kept me coming back was the welcoming atmosphere as well as the friendships I made, anyone can tell you its like a happy family here. The Spring 2009 retreat really helped open the doors for my spirituality and I really am glad that I was able to learn and apply more for this area of my life, because it puts so much more into perspective for me. I honestly believe participating at the Newman Center has allowed me to make better grades in school because of the gains in my faith journey.
I learned the importance of community and spirituality since my involvement with Newman Center increased. The relationship between spirituality and community is complementary with a few areas of overlap. My communal experience with my fellow peers sharing the faith, has translated into a much deeper and richer spiritual experience for me.
What is something about the Newman Center that you wished everyone could experience?
I really think everyone should experience one of the wednesday night mass/dinners. The mass is often more personal and the dinners are excellent. Its a great way to bond with the community and talk with people and relate. Not only that the meals are free which is a great way to save up on your campus meal plan. The community atmosphere is so welcoming and hospitable that most people who come ones will keep on coming through out the year.
What is something you've learned about the Newman Center or the Church that you didn't know before coming here?
I learned about the RCIA process and how it works and alot about how the Church made it over the centuries. The RCIA process is the process in which older children and adults become accepted as a member of the church. The RCIA process helps potential members learn about the sacraments, the history, and the norms of the Church. Father Bill really helped to relate alot of the more abstract things to a more personal level in this program.
