Mid-August found me applying for a job in Covenant College's
Chapel Department. While I knew the list of qualifications fit me
perfectly I did not know that Grant and Sandi Lowe had been faithfully praying
over that list of qualifications. As I looked at the job description, I
felt it fit my skills and my family's schedule. After interviewing with
Chaplain Grant Lowe and Christiana Fitzpatrick I felt even more excited and
waited with great anticipation when FINALLY, Grant called and asked if I'd like
to work at Covenant College.
Two days after that phone call I found
myself pouring over binders of information and multiple data bases that would
become a huge part of my job. My suspicion that I would enjoy
accomplishing the list of tasks described on Covenant's Job Board proved true.
I loved it. The first few weeks were a bit overwhelming when the start of
a new semester brought students, chapel speakers, and all the details therein.
Lucky for me, I have a great boss who comparatively makes the most relaxed
person seem uptight. My many many small mistakes were laughed off or
overlooked. His confidence in my ability allowed me the freedom to keep
trying and not burst into tears when I planned a luncheon but totally forgot to
invite students to attend. Catered meal...check. Special
guest...check. 25 students to enjoy said meal and form questions for said
special guest...crickets.
Speaking of students...I'm so impressed by
Covenant's student body. Most students I observe from afar as they mill
about and scan for Chapel. Then there are those few I've been blessed to
know more intimately. I was totally intimidated my first few days of
"school". I feared students would find me cranky, frumpy, and
just plain old. Then really super cool things started to take place.
Things like Ryan coming in strictly to ask me how my day was going.
If his "check ins" coincided with moments of frustration he
would lend me a patient ear and remind me that I was new and would one day know
what the heck I was doing. "Ryan the Intern" doesn't have to
talk me off a cliff nowadays but his company and conversation are still stellar
and a highlight of any day. I also have the pleasure of supervising
amazing work study students. These guys are the cream of the crop.
While I had no part in picking them "Utterly Kendra", "Jon
Boy" and "Roger That" are exactly the ones I would have hand
picked. "Bells" may not be MY work study but she makes for good
company and can work for hours without making a peep. Yes, we're big on
nicknames and even have a not so secret Chapel Department handshake.
These students and many more have become my friends. They have
become a great source of encouragement to me and often give me the privilege of
knowing them. Not only do they share with me their joys but also their
frustrations. This is by far my most favorite part of my new world.
The one part of my job that I absolutely
hate is the ever looming graduation day. While I'm super thankful for the
students that are sticking around, I'm so sad to have such a short time with
the Seniors. I try to focus on being thankful that I started working at
Covenant this year so I get to miss them next year rather than miss knowing
them at all.
