Personal Narrative: My Experience At MCC

• How have you grown spiritually since you have been at MCC?

o Though I struggle to put the amount of growth I’ve experienced into words, I have undoubtedly taken huge leaps in my faith upon being at MCC. My first semester here, I had wide eyes. I was frantically searching to grasp onto this vision I had of new friends, a degree, new ministries, discovering who I truly am, digging into deeper into a relationship with the Lord and ultimately embarking on what would become my future. I learned a few lessons the hard way, but I’m convinced we grow the most through the tougher times of life. I’ve grown to narrow my focus on Jesus, and to see my situation through a perspective of the one who is far greater and bigger than my situation. I no longer

frantically search because I’ve found the home He has built for me in His presence. Spiritually, I know there is much more growing to do, but I look back at my time here at MCC and see that I’ve gained richer wisdoms and grown closer to the heart of God through His word, the relationships I’ve formed, and the experiences I’ve had here.
• Why do you want to be an RA?
o I am passionate about authentic fellowship, community and sister-ship.

Similar to the church, Kenoyer Hall is simply a building without the community of people that dwells within it. I want to be an active part of creating community within the women of MCC, and one of the most effective ways of doing that is by living alongside them, sharing meals, and doing life with one another. And my job as an RA requires me to do exactly that. I want to be an RA to foster community, love on the women of Kenoyer, and encourage them towards stronger and authentic relationships with the Lord. And also I just love living in Kenoyer. It’s liking living in a neighborhood where all your best friends are your

neighbors.
• What do you see as the role of an RA? Why is it important to have RAs?
o The dorms offer a unique environment to get to know one another, and the RA’s greatly impact that process. They also help keep everything in order, whether it be sanitary matters, drying tears when someone had a rough day, keeping others accountable, or settling conflict. The first few years of college can be a challenging and confusing time. But the RA’s have already experienced this reality and therefore, can help mentor the underclassman about anything from the best dorm snacks, how to survive Interp or how to make Christ-like decisions in their romantic relationships. It is important to have RAs because they help ensure that things are running smoothly on campus.
• Strengths in this ministry.
o I am very nurturing and very discerning. I can easily judge how to approach a situation, what should and shouldn’t be said and what others are comfortable and uncomfortable with. This helps me care for others in the best ways I can care for them. Caring for and taking care of others is my nature. I enjoy quality time with people, cooking them meals, catering to them when they are sick, and planning unforgettable adventures. In other words, I know when things are going wrong and I know how to handle them.
• Weaknesses in this ministry.
o I have a tendency of wearing my heart on my sleeve. I love people, and I love them a WHOLE lot. Unfortunately, my big heart leaves me pretty vulnerable at times and my feelings can be deeply hurt rather easily. I also have a tendency of taking on way too much at one time. I am the type of person that wants to make it to every event, I’ll make the last minute run to the store, show up early to set up and stay after to clean up too. I’d do anything for the people I love and I’d do it with 110% of me. In order to become a more effective leader, I’d like to be able to create stronger emotional boundaries and be able to say no every now and then. If I am emotionally drained and over committed, my exhaustion will spill over into my leadership abilities. If I am taking good and proper care of myself, I can take good and proper care of others, which makes for an effective leader.
• 2 best things in the Residence Halls?
o My sister is much older than me, so I basically grew us as an older child. I love living in Kenoyer because it’s like having the sisters I never had getting ready with me in the mornings, sharing clothes, helping me decide what shoes to wear, and I never have to watch my favorite Netflix shows alone. The second best thing about Kenoyer is dorm devos, it makes Monday my favorite night of the week. Our stories are power, its no wonder that Jesus often spoke through story and parable. I am always moved by the honest and powerful words the Lord brings us through the night’s speaker, and the thickness in the room when we worship with one another.
• 2 things would like to help improve in residence halls as an RA?
o I would like to have a recycling bin in Kenoyer.

I feel it is important to be resourceful and respect the Earth we’ve been blessed with. I also think it would be nice to have coffee available in the lobbies a few mornings a week, or maybe Monday morning. I believe coffee is a unifier and would open up more opportunities for us to grow deeper communities in our suites and in Kenoyer over all.

• One thing your RA did that impacted you?

o Despite having an insane homework load, being a dual degree student, and keeping up her position as student body present, my RA, Leigh Ann, still put our suite as one of her top priorities and never let her crazy busy schedule get in the way of being our RA. Leigh Ann likes to joke about how emotional she is and how often she cries, but it is no joke to me. It’s the very thing about her that has impacted me the most. When I cry, Leigh Ann cries with me. I’ve never met a more empathetic person in my life. She teaches me a lot.

• Describe you current worship/quiet time with God

o Journaling has recently been a large portion of how I worship, and how I draw near to His presence. I write my prayers, my heartaches, my praises, sermon notes, and future lesson plans. Sometimes I just need to vent, and I take it straight to pen and paper. Writing slows down my thinking which helps me listen to Him rather than ramble on in jumbled

words.
• List current Ministries, job or responsibilities
o I lead worship once every month, or every other month at my home church in Topeka and I am an Ambassador at MCC.