Moving to a new city for young black professionals is often like starting over. You have to find a new barber, the hot spot to watch the game (Go SUNS!!!) and the best car wash. But the biggest challenge for some can be finding a new place to worship – or even deciding if they want a place to gather with others of the same faith.

It’s probably safe to assume that most YBPs who went to church, mosque or another house of worship as a child, had that place chosen for them by their parents or elders. And while some embrace the traditions of that religion early on, it usually takes a bit of maturity to make one’s actual faith personal. Your early years as a black professional can be that time.

Discover what it is that YOU believe – not what your parents told you and not what the media shows you. The images of people of faith – Christians and Muslims, in particular – presented to the masses are often inaccurate. And this is quite unfortunate as the concept of faith is a beautiful thing.

Many YBPs have had personal experiences that confirm religion’s negative stereotypes, but take this season of life as an opportunity to learn more about personal spirituality and not religion. There is a difference. Take time to study the principles of your faith – or another – in depth or simply step back and ask your self the deeper questions about your morals, eternity and the less tangible issues.

This period of life isn’t only about making the best professional and financial decisions. Whether you choose to embrace faith or reject it, be committed to being the best young black professional you can be wholly.