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Retreat posed ‘big enough questions’
January 26, 2007
It was overcast and drizzling rain when 130 first year students spilled off the buses, excited and ready to discover their vocation, identity and purpose in the wilderness of Camp Berachah two weekends ago.
Located in Auburn, Wash., the camp hosted the third annual Explore! retreat. This year, only one retreat was offered instead of two, which boosted attendance to an all-time high, said Eva Johnson, director of Student Involvement and Leadership.
The retreat aims to give students the keys to guide their college experience and avoid looking back on it after graduation and wondering, “What if?” Students are able to learn what PLU has to offer early in their college careers and begin figuring out what they want to achieve in their time here, Johnson said.
“The students who choose to attend are ahead of the curve,” Johnson said. “They set their own vision and don’t live someone else’s.”
During the 24-hour retreat, students participated in small group discussions led by faculty, staff and student leaders. The group discussions typically built on ideas presented by panel speakers or a movie.
For example, on Saturday morning, recent graduate and SIL employee Andrea Shea, social work professor Kathy Russell and Campus Pastor Dennis Sepper discussed the “big enough questions” that led them to find purpose and meaning in their life. All three stressed their questions developed slowly, and that answers were not always readily available.
In the small group discussions, students talked about their experiences and begin thinking about their identity and future. These discussions were helpful because everyone in attendance was trying to reach the same goal, said first year Joseph Espinoza.
“The smaller groups give you more time to talk, you can let your guard down,” he said.
First-year Brittany Urich agreed, adding it’s nice to get away from her busy campus life and have time to think on the retreat’s topics. Throughout the weekend, students heard new perspectives and realized everyone had a lot in common.
“Some freshman may think it’s dumb, but it’s good to sit down and think, to talk with other students,” Urich said. “You know that you’re not alone in questioning yourself.”
The curriculum for this year’s retreat was more focused, so students really understood the ideas and principles behind the exercises and discussions, Johnson said. Additionally, the faculty, staff and student leaders participated in a full day of training in November, so they were better equipped to facilitate the discussions.
The facilitators represented the diversity of campus, with faculty from across the disciplines and staff members from the various campus organizations, Johnson said.
“The people here, the faculty and staff, are committed to the student experience, are committed to the mission of the university, and are committed as educators in helping students learn to be better citizens for the world,” she said.
Senior Tyler Ochsner, sociology professor Joanna Gregson and men against violence project coordinator Jonathan Grove were paired up to lead one of the small groups. All three said they jumped at the chance to reflect on their lives and delve into the ideas behind vocation.
“Vocation speaks to me and my experience,” Grove explained. “Anything I can do to help students get there quicker than me, I’ll do.”
The retreat is sponsored by the Wild Hope Project, the First Year Experience and SIL.
The retreat aims to give students the keys to guide their college experience and avoid looking back on it after graduation and wondering, “What if?” Students are able to learn what PLU has to offer early in their college careers and begin figuring out what they want to achieve in their time here, Johnson said.
“The students who choose to attend are ahead of the curve,” Johnson said. “They set their own vision and don’t live someone else’s.”
During the 24-hour retreat, students participated in small group discussions led by faculty, staff and student leaders. The group discussions typically built on ideas presented by panel speakers or a movie.
For example, on Saturday morning, recent graduate and SIL employee Andrea Shea, social work professor Kathy Russell and Campus Pastor Dennis Sepper discussed the “big enough questions” that led them to find purpose and meaning in their life. All three stressed their questions developed slowly, and that answers were not always readily available.
In the small group discussions, students talked about their experiences and begin thinking about their identity and future. These discussions were helpful because everyone in attendance was trying to reach the same goal, said first year Joseph Espinoza.
“The smaller groups give you more time to talk, you can let your guard down,” he said.
First-year Brittany Urich agreed, adding it’s nice to get away from her busy campus life and have time to think on the retreat’s topics. Throughout the weekend, students heard new perspectives and realized everyone had a lot in common.
“Some freshman may think it’s dumb, but it’s good to sit down and think, to talk with other students,” Urich said. “You know that you’re not alone in questioning yourself.”
The curriculum for this year’s retreat was more focused, so students really understood the ideas and principles behind the exercises and discussions, Johnson said. Additionally, the faculty, staff and student leaders participated in a full day of training in November, so they were better equipped to facilitate the discussions.
The facilitators represented the diversity of campus, with faculty from across the disciplines and staff members from the various campus organizations, Johnson said.
“The people here, the faculty and staff, are committed to the student experience, are committed to the mission of the university, and are committed as educators in helping students learn to be better citizens for the world,” she said.
Senior Tyler Ochsner, sociology professor Joanna Gregson and men against violence project coordinator Jonathan Grove were paired up to lead one of the small groups. All three said they jumped at the chance to reflect on their lives and delve into the ideas behind vocation.
“Vocation speaks to me and my experience,” Grove explained. “Anything I can do to help students get there quicker than me, I’ll do.”
The retreat is sponsored by the Wild Hope Project, the First Year Experience and SIL.