How I SABS as a Catholic

I have always been confident in the hobbies that I am passionate about. One of my favorite hobbies that I have acquired during college is SABS. Maybe you have heard of this term. Maybe you already know what it means. Maybe you have even tried it. Regardless of how much you know or don’t know about SABS, otherwise known as “seeing and being seen”, let me share why I am so passionate about it and how I incorporate my faith into this activity. SABS deepens my Catholic faith by integrating the four fundamental Christian relationships: our relationship with God, with God’s creation, with others, and with ourselves.

The SABS acronym has some negative connotations which I strive to look past when I participate. On the one hand, many people consider it an activity people do with friends to boast their social status. At face value, SABS literally means seeing other people and wanting them to notice you for your mere presence. Perhaps people desire to be seen because they wish for others to see how they are dressed or whom they are with. I will admit that I often fall into the trap of thinking in this way, as I too sometimes SABS because I want people to see the way I look or that I am out with friends. On the other hand, however, going out to be seen is not entirely negative, because as followers of Christ we have made it our mission to be seen in the world, for as Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

As Catholics we are called to be that light in the darkness, that unclear, hazy atmosphere we often find ourselves in when we stop letting God guide our lives and that so often pervades college life. Through SABS, I have been given the opportunity to go out on campus and be a magnetic, inviting presence for others to see. Likewise in Matthew 4:19, Jesus encourages us to follow him because we are “fishers of men.” This is why I often like to take part in flyering for Newman on Locust, because if even just one person feels like it is okay to embrace their faith on campus, then that has made all the difference.

SABS is a way for me to deepen my relationship with God by marveling at His creation. I love to embrace the outdoors when the weather is warm. I find it consoling and relaxing. As a student at Penn, I am given a chance to admire the beautiful campus where I am so fortunate to attend college. I am also given the opportunity to be fascinated by the natural elements around me by engaging my senses. The sounds of birds chirping in the spring and leaves falling in autumn serve as tiny, pleasant reminders of the season. The feeling of a gentle breeze or beams of radiating sunlight on my skin comfort me. The bright green grass and blue sky make me hopeful and happy. These sensations contribute to a heightened awareness and appreciation of God’s creation. They allow me to feel present in the moment when every other aspect of my life is moving so quickly and serve as a reminder that I am right where I am supposed to be.

One of my most favorite aspects of SABS is the opportunity to witness God’s placement of other people in my path among His Creation. There are endless possibilities of people to encounter on a campus with tens of thousands of students. You never know who you will find no matter where you are! One day, while I was sitting outside my college house, Deacon Remi passed by with brothers Patrick and Nelson. I would say this was a God-incidence because in that moment, I was typing out my ideas for this blog! Another day while writing ideas about how SABS has become so important to my life at Penn, Amy Gutmann, the University President, passed by. I would say that was a God-incidence as well! The people on this campus are what make my college experience so memorable. My years of college have taught me immensely about myself through my relationships with others. I will take advantage of any opportunity to socialize as I share my enthusiasm, positivity, discipline, and compassion with others. SABS is even more fun when another friend joins me as we thrive in this setting together. I have learned that I thrive off of the energy I acquire from interacting with other people and pay this energy forward by sharing my gifts with others.

Despite my enjoyment of SABS with the intention of interacting with others, SABS alone is a wonderful way to decompress and increase my awareness. It is a time for me to focus on myself and reflect, concentrating on my thoughts and emotions of both the past and present. I find that when I attempt to be productive while SABS, I often end up staring at my surroundings and allow my mind to wander. It is certainly possible for me to accomplish schoolwork while SABS, but I find it much easier to become distracted by my own mind. I become so aware of my surroundings that I drift away from thinking about my seemingly endless to-do list. Instead, what comes to mind are myself, other people, and God.

I firmly believe that the act of SABS contributes to my well-being as it comforts me spiritually and emotionally. It provides me with an opportunity to develop my relationship with God, God’s creation, others, and myself while engaging in an activity I enjoy so much. I invite you to discover what SABS means to you. Come join me outside on Locust Walk some day!

Breanne Mastromarino is a senior in the school of nursing hailing from Northern NJ. Recently, she was accepted into the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program! She is easily one the friendliest people you will ever encounter! No matter where she is or she is with she brings a radiant enthusiasm and energy. She does not live in household, but her welcoming presence is an integral part of the Penn Newman Catholic community. She is our most frequent guest blogger here and always shares relatable college life insights! She manages a food instagram @bergenbites201