Stressed out? Worried about being a little fish in the big pond that is Penn, but too busy to visit Counseling and Psychological Services?
The Christian Association might have a short and sweet solution for you on its Web site.
This fall semester, the CA -- a campus ministry -- will move its counseling responsibilities to the digital realm by launching a series of audio broadcasts called "Pod Gospels." These two-minute snippets of spiritually based college advice can be heard online, or if you're on the run, downloaded as MP3 files to a portable music player.
The Pod Gospels, with titles such as "A Season for Love" and "Fitting In" are designed to be relevant to all students -- regardless of faith -- who are feeling unsure about their life and career choices.
"Hello, you beautiful person," says Executive Director of the CA Rev. Beverly Dale in "Collegiate Self Doubt." "I know sometimes you just have these days. ... You used to think you were smart. Now you're not so sure."
Dale emphasized that the Gospels were not intended to be strictly Christian, though they have a spiritual underpinning.
"I'm trying to be a resource for college students who don't have time for religion but ... are kind of interested," she said. "Most of my constituency do not go to church every Sunday."
Dale says she drew inspiration for her Gospels from talking to members of the CA about their daily concerns.
In "Collegiate Self Doubt," Dale urges students to not be overcome by doubt but rather to have faith in their inner selves.
"Listen, listen," she sings, "there is a still, small voice speaking to you. You can count on it."
Some students had mixed reactions to Dale's advice.
"I think it's [meant] mostly for freshmen," Wharton sophomore Nigel Lobo said, "I guess it's relevant ... but someone three years into Penn probably won't be thinking, 'What am I doing here?'"
Others feel that going digital is an effective way for the CA to reach a wider audience with its message.
"I think its very progressive," College sophomore Emma Hall said.
