As a first-generation college student and multifaith intern at Elon, Lizeth Torres-Tomas '27 shares how intentional conversations, cultural celebrations and identity exploration have helped her build community and enhance her sense of purpose and well-being.
Elon provides an array of resources and programs that encourage students to plug in and find their purpose, and the Multifaith Internship Program in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life is a champion in fulfilling and enhancing student well-being.
Moments at the end of successful multifaith celebrations hosted by the Truitt Center, such as Diwali and the Ripple Conference, have provided quiet affirmations of purpose for Lizeth Torres-Tomas ’27. Through meaningful conversations and cultural celebrations, she’s not just helping build bridges between belief systems—the internship has also helped her understand and nurture her own purpose.
As a first-generation student, she felt college was never guaranteed, especially from a low-income background. However, her older brother’s success at Duke University set a precedent and made college feel possible
Determined to forge her own path, she found opportunity through Elon’s Odyssey Program, which supports high-achieving students with financial need. Her personal identities and passion for advocacy for Latinx and Hispanic communities led her to major in political science with minors in sociology and interreligious.
Though rooted in advocacy, Torres-Tomas also embraces creativity and emotion. She enjoys crafting, jewelry making and crocheting. “I feel like I have a balance of both worlds,” she shared. That balance, along with her desire to explore her spiritual identity and a professor’s encouragement, led her to become a multifaith intern.
The Multifaith Experience
As a multifaith intern, Torres-Tomas joins a cohort of students tasked with listening to individuals’ voices, narratives and experiences from diverse religious, spiritual and ethical traditions. The goal of the internship is to deepen religious literacy and grow more comfortable engaging in interfaith conversations.
“One of the learning outcomes of the internship is for students to learn to curate spaces for religious and spiritual celebrations that are authentic expressions of those traditions, as well as spaces for education and community building,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement.
Through holiday celebrations, open dialogue and prioritizing human connection, multifaith interns foster a campus environment where everyone is invited to bring their whole selves to the table, no matter their belief system.
“Religion is taboo for a lot of people,” Torres-Tomas said. “But when we create spaces where people can talk about their faith or uncertainty, we’re contributing to their well-being.”
Cultivating Well-Being through Conversations and Connection
A key component of the internship is hosting Multifaith Connection Meetings (MCMs), where interns initiate one-on-one conversations around religion, spirituality and identity. These meetings are deeply personal, often connecting to purpose, community and social well-being in various ways.
“This not only helps the students gain confidence in navigating conversations around religion, but enhances the religious literacy of the campus community,” Zaken explained. “Each conversation spreads the ripples of connection, understanding and mutual respect.”
Torres-Tomas defines purpose well-being as being intentional with her time, what she consumes and how she connects with others. Her experience as a multifaith intern has helped her navigate that intentionally while healing parts of herself and embracing her identity.
“I really try to be mindful on a day-to-day basis, that I don’t have to fit into a sort of box,” she said. “So I feel like, as a multifaith intern, I’ve grown so much as an individual. But it’s also really nice to hear or have reassurance from my co-workers, my boss, and other people within the community.”
At times, Torres-Tomas has struggled with impostor syndrome, especially at a predominantly white institution. She has thought deeply about how her racial, cultural and religious identities are perceived. Her background, personality and experience haven’t always felt fully embraced, but the multifaith internship has helped her find belonging.
“It’s made me more definite in what I want to be surrounded by and what I want to continue engaging in,” she said. Religion, often avoided in conversation, has become a filter for her to build deeper, more intentional relationships.
A Journey That Continues
As Torres-Tomas reflects on her experience, she is proud of her academic and professional growth. She advises students interested in similar opportunities to “go for it.” She is a firm believer that no matter a student’s curiosity, whether it be about religion or passionate about community, the internship offers a unique chance to learn about others as well as self-discovery.
She believes that being a multifaith intern is just the beginning. She hopes to continue her involvement with the Truitt Center, explore faith and culture further, and help others find a space where they feel like they belong.
“Good intentions matter,” Torres-Tomas said. “If you show up with an open heart and a willingness to listen, the experience will shape you in ways you can’t imagine.”