In 1988, I enrolled at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, to pursue a masters degree in English. After one year, I found myself questioning whether English Literature, Shakespeare, and creative writing were my cup of tea. I just wasn't too excited about a career in that particular field.
During that year, I noticed a group of students who were always together and always having a good time at pretty much every event held on campus -- comedy clubs, karaoke nights, concerts, bingo, movie nights -- you name it, they were there.
One day, I couldn't stand it any longer. I decided I had to find out who they were, and more importantly, why they were always together and having a good time. I approached them at a concert on campus and asked them, "Who are you? And why are you always together? And why are you always having a good time?" Part of me was worried that they belonged to some crazy cult.
To make a long story short, they told me they belonged to the Student Personnel Association, which was a student organization for graduate students in the Counselor Education/Student Personnel Administration program.
I had never heard of such a thing. These students were actually getting degrees that would allow them to work with college students as a career. I couldn't believe it. It sounded too good to be true. My goal in life was to stay on a college campus as long as possible, so this sounded like the career for me. I could stay on a college campus for the rest of my life and get paid for it!
I immediately applied to the program, was accepted, and earned my masters degree in Student Personnel Administration. Since 1992, I have worked with college students in various departments on three college campuses in International Student Affairs, Student Activities, Greek Life, Diversity Programs, Leadership, Drug & Alcohol Education, Student Organizations, and Orientation. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to impact young lives, and it's been an amazing ride.
But here's the kicker: My parents still have no idea what "Student Personnel Administration" means. My dad thinks I'm a licensed counselor, and my mom simply believes I plan picnics all day. After 20 years in the business, I still find it difficult to explain to them what I do.
As Christians, do we often find ourselves in similar circumstances?
The world might have a few preconceived ideas about what it means to be a Christian. Are we showing them the fullness of a life centered on Christ?
Some people might see Christians out and about and wonder why we are always together and having a good time. Are we letting them know about our hope? Are we bringing them into our "organization"?
The world might view our decision to follow Jesus as "too good to be true." Are we taking the time to show them that it is good and it is true?
I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone this week and explain the joy of your hope to someone who may be wondering. Who knows? You just might be changing someone's "career path" for the better.
Mucho Blessings -
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