Kristine '10, Social Work

How does the prop you brought represent you?

I love to travel the world. I love to experience new cultures, meet new people, hike, and be outdoors. I have brought this daypack across mountains, to new countries, and to some very familiar spots. It is special whenever I travel and get to add another patch from some mountain I got to hike. I am reminded of the beauty of creation whenever I get to explore some more. When you explore new places, the best part is the opportunity and privilege to get to connect to people who maybe never would have been in your sphere.

How would you describe courage in one sentence?

Courage is the ability to take a risk, often times into the unknown, whether that is a college, job, travel, relationship, etc.

How did getting your degree require courage?

Everyone has to be courageous in order to try and figure out the best fit and career option for potentially decades worth of work. You have to stick to something and commit to a degree which sometimes feels really hard and scary. For me, I picked social work. People had their preconceptions about the field and I heard them while in college. I consciously made the decision that this degree was right for me. I don’t regret anything about it.

How does your current job or career path require courage?

I work with people on a day-to-day basis. It requires courage to keep going. Sometimes, it’s difficult and I may want to stop, but I don’t. I am reminded that this is far more than a career pathway, but I felt called to this profession. It takes a lot of courage to walk alongside people in various aspects of their journey. I am reminded that I don’t need the answers but get to be there, where they are, to figure it out.

How did EU help you become more courageous in your thinking and actions?

Eastern helped me to take risks. I graduated and felt capable of doing great things. I felt prepared to take on new experiences for graduate school. I felt independent enough to move to Peru for six months to volunteer. I took movements that were based upon faith that seemed scary at the time, but I felt also ready to tackle. Often times, people are hesitant to explore, but I graduated and felt like where can I begin? I am thankful that Eastern prepared me to be courageous even if it is a bit scary.

Where do you hope courage will lead you in the future?

I hope that I continue to explore the world. I want to experience cultures and connect with people. There is a level of courage that is required to connect with people as there is always a chance of rejection. I never want to shy away from people and real meaningful connections out of fear, but rather be faithfully courageous in them.