The bells for the morning service ring, and inside parents usher their children to take a seat. Toward the front of the room, a youth group stands and begins to sing in unison. In the group, a bass player moves along to the beat and plays the instrumental music that accompanies the voices, enjoying the cheerful environment surrounding the church.

Junior Cesia Diaz has been attending church with her parents and siblings since she was born. Diaz said she goes to church four times a week and follows Christian beliefs and traditions.

“My parents took me to church obviously, but I guess it was kind of my choice whether or not I wanted to stay,” Diaz said. “They never really forced me to accept everything.”

Diaz is a part of her church’s senior group, Teatro Jugar, in which the group puts on dramas during special occasions. Additionally, she is in the youth group, where she plays the bass.  Attending church is comforting to Diaz, and she said it is always a good time. Initially, Diaz was influenced to become involved through her friends.

“A lot of my friends were involved and when they would tell me how it was, I got really interested and it seemed really fun,” Diaz said. “You were learning and growing spiritually. It was a win-win [situation].”

One of the most memorable experiences for Diaz is going to youth conventions. Church members get to spend time with their friends, be in another city, and get closer to God. She said she gets to have a one-on-one experience with God. Additionally, Diaz said she loves church in general.

“My favorite thing about church is helping out in children’s church,” Diaz said. “The kids are so sweet and watching them praise God is an amazing experience. It’s just a joyful environment. You’re happy to be there, and it doesn’t matter how long you’re doing it.”

Because Diaz attends church often, she balances her time by scheduling out her week. Diaz said that some people see religion as a bad thing; however, for her it is not.

“My relationship with God is what gets me through my hardest days,” Diaz said. “Religion can actually be very comforting if you look at it in a different perspective.”

Religion has taught Diaz how to forgive people and let go of grudges. Diaz said the most important lesson she has learned is how to love everyone despite of their differences and beliefs.

“Even if they’re of a different religion, you have to love everyone and show God’s love, so that people will see God’s true love,” Diaz said. “Jesus loved us despite of our sins, so we should love everyone as well.”

If given the choice, Diaz said she would continue going to church. She plans on attending church even in college because it is a part of who she is.

“My religion is my way of life,” Diaz said. “It’s what guides me and helps me go through difficult situations. It’s one of the best part of me so I never want to let that go.”