When my senior year of college began, I noticed that a certain question continued to repeat itself in my daily conversations: “What do you plan to do after you graduate?” Although I knew this question was well-meaning, I couldn’t help but feel increasing anxiety each time I heard it. I didn’t have immediate plans for higher education after college, and I wasn’t ready to jump into a career. I knew that I would need some structure and support as I made the transition from college into post-graduate life. After several conversations with my college ministers—one of whom was a former fellow herself—I decided to apply to the Greensboro Fellows Program. I can now safely say that participating in this program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being a fellow opened my eyes to the Lord’s presence in every aspect of my life, and encouraged me to pursue deeper relationships with Him, others, myself and the wider Greensboro community.
One of the most impactful elements of the Greensboro Fellows Program for me was its emphasis on friendship. As I got to know the other fellows, I found immense comfort in knowing that there were five other people in the program who shared both my love for Christ and my questions about navigating life and faith after college. We truly walked through our daily lives together, from studying theology in Monday morning classes to enjoying home-cooked meals on Wednesday nights. In experiencing this kind of deep, intentional community, I realized that I could reveal my true self and all of its joy and brokenness, instead of presenting the reserved and polished version of myself that I thought would be easier for others to handle. The program provided plenty of opportunities for fun (we often played games together, shared stories, and laughed until our sides ached) and also allowed for vulnerability, prayer, and thoughtful conversation. For the first time, I began to understand what a gift it was that God designed us for community; He fully knows and loves us, and permits us to be known and loved by others.
My experience of community in the Greensboro Fellows program extended well beyond the inner circle of fellows and directors; I also grew to appreciate the unity and hospitality of the church. When we arrived at the Church of the Redeemer in September, we were welcomed with open arms by the congregation, most of whom had never met us before. We were each assigned a mentor from the church who met with us every week and provided spiritual, emotional and practical support. We were also each assigned a host home, where we lived and formed a relationship with a specific family from Redeemer. It was through these kind and faithful people that I experienced the familial nature of the church body. I felt at home amidst a congregation of believers from all different backgrounds and walks of life—young children, older couples, college students, immigrant families and more—who loved, served and belonged to the same God. I was again reminded that we are not created to walk through the Christian faith alone; God intended for us to dwell together in the presence of the Holy Spirit through the church.
The most profound gift that this program gave me was that of slowing down and knowing the true heart of God. I started the year unsure of my own abilities and exhausted from striving for perfection. However, the work experience and professional development I received through the fellows program taught me to start to trust in God’s plans for my career and to allow Him to use me, in even the smallest of daily tasks, for the restoration of His kingdom. When I was not fully convinced of His steadfastness, our classes and Bible studies pointed me to examples of His constant love for His people. When I was anxious and harsh with myself, our scheduled times of solitude invited me to rest and experience His gentleness and grace. My time as a fellow was educational and full of practical advice, but most importantly, it drew me closer to a kind and humble Savior, who is with me whether I am working, enjoying His creation, or developing relationships. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to see Him more clearly through the Greensboro Fellows Program.