This post was originally published on this site
One of the strengths of my OCF chapter, a characteristic I have found often in chapters across the country, is diversity. Students from all backgrounds, majors, and campus affiliations come together in Christ’s love, and that unity is the powerful backbone that keeps OCF strong. Aside from a mutual passion for Orthodoxy, one of the most predominant characteristics that I have noticed in my conversations with OCF students is that we’re all too busy. As applications for the 2017-2018 Student Leadership Board open this week, seventeen college students from around the country are about to get a whole lot busier.
Every leadership position is a risk. It’s a risk that your free time might shrink and your to-do list might grow. It’s a risk that you may discover weaknesses you never knew you had. It’s also a risk that you may unlock passion within your soul and turn your heart toward a purpose greater than yourself. Serving on the Student Leadership Board has done all of this for me and in the best of ways.
The past two years as Midwest Regional Student Leader have been incredibly transformative, empowering, and inspiring. Like any good organization, the value of OCF lies in its people. I am consistently blown away by the talent, spirit, and genuine love my fellow board members pour into their work for this ministry. These people, whom I am lucky enough to call my friends, inspire me every day to be a better Orthodox Christian. I am never without comforting and hilarious conversation from Emma, a good book suggestion from Dan, invaluable life advice from Christina, and innumerable other daily blessings.
Like any good organization, the value of OCF lies in its people.
– Tweet this!
It is with confidence I assure you that the work of any SLB position, with the right disposition and attitude, will never have to feel like work. My OCF responsibilities are somehow the only work I get done throughout my day that makes the rest of my to-do list lighter. OCF leadership is more than a bullet point on a resume, but forever a mark on my heart. The Student Leadership Board has given me incredible experiences, lasting friendships, a GroupMe I would never dream of muting, and a strengthened faith in Christ our Lord. These are all blessings I would never change for the world, and I can’t wait to share them with the OCF community this coming year as the Chairwoman of the Student Leadership Board.
I will leave you with a favorite quote of mine by Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J.:
Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.
I encourage you to consider applying for the OCF Student Leadership Board, get a little busier, and to take the risk that will decide everything.
Nicole Petrow is the outgoing Midwest Student Leader and incoming Chairwoman of the Student Leadership Board. She is a currently a junior at Creighton University, majoring in Classical & Near Eastern Civilizations & Classical Languages. In her spare time, she lip sync battles semi-professionally.
