Danielle Oester
Calvary United Methodist Church
Normal, IL
This summer I was given the chance to work as a youth intern at Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal, IL. This opportunity, made possible by the Center for Vocational Reflection, has changed my outlook on vocation and has made me much more aware of myself, my talents, and my desires. I did a variety of tasks throughout the summer and worked with many different people. I consistently interacted with the youth at the church. I led a Jr. High girls group called "Girl's Night Out," which presented the girls with an evening activity every Friday throughout the summer. I prepared lessons and taught many Sunday school classes, ranging from Preschool to High School. In June, I also led a "Kids Worship" hour which involved music, story telling, snacks, and many crafts as well as Vacation Bible School music. Throughout August, I sang in a musical worship group called "Higher Ground" for contemporary services. Aside from the many hands-on tasks I performed, I helped plan many events including Vacation Bible School, Sunday school curriculum, design for worship services, a conference hosted by the church, and other future comings at the church.
Over the course of this internship, I found that I have gifts, skills, and talents in the areas of speaking in front of people, leading a group, and organizing events. My discussions with others as well as my work in the church made it clear to me that I have the potential to do many things. I learned more about myself than I can find a way to articulate. Most importantly, I found that I can make a difference to people. Receiving hugs and tears from Pre-school and Jr. High students, as well as the office staff, showed me that small tasks have the potential to make an impact.
I can't say that this internship answered all of my future career questions but I know that I have a much better idea of who I am and what is important to me. I am learning about myself every day and that will never change. This internship allowed me to experience an occupation which involved tasks that were ideal to my interests and passions. I have never had a job like it but it was the most "real job" I have ever had. I felt more like I was spending a lot of time having fun and a little time doing tedious preparatory work. Planning, though tedious at times, proved to be very rewarding and resonated with my feelings toward tedious assignments and tasks required at school. I learned life lessons while working at Calvary UMC and I will use them for the rest of my life. I look forward to continuing my education and hopefully always seeking my desires and passions rather than getting caught up in college majors and minors or career titles. I know that I will be honestly following my vocation if I allow my senses and feelings to guide me. I have faith that no matter what my future holds, I will be in God's hands and there is no safer place to be.
