|
Jennifer Nahas
Executive Director
jennifer@ocf.net
800-919-1OCF
Favorite College Memory:
Introducing my friends to Orthodoxy. Those that came to
church with me were just blown away by our Liturgy -- they
had never seen anything like it. I also loved demonstrating
the faith, particularly during Lenten fasting, when my friends
learned that fasting was more than just giving up chocolate
on Wednesday and Fridays!
One piece of advice I would like to offer a college student:
Remember who you are and where you come from.
And, most importantly, be yourself and the light of God
will shine through in all you do.
Advice I would like to offer to Parents:
As the Director of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) and
a mom of two emerging college students, I am often asked this
question by parents and guardians: What can I do to prepare my
children for success in college? Sending a child to college,
especially one far away from home, is traumatic; it marks the
moment that our little ones are called to stand strong as adults.
As parents, this transition may require an enormous leap of
faith - the idea of letting our children go into the fast-paced,
over-stimulating world of college, is downright scary. Read More....
Donna Elias
Operations Manager
donna@ocf.net
My favorite college memory:
For me, college is a collection of wonderful memories.
The friendships I made and strong connections that were
built mean the world to me. All of the laughter alone
was enough to make my college experience amazing!
One piece of advice I would like to offer a college student :
Understand that college is a beautiful time for growth - both on a
personal and spiritual level. Take advantage of it!
Christina Andresen
Chapter Relations Coordinator
christina@ocf.net
My favorite college memory:
Driving around with my best friend
in her old, manual, unairconditioned truck. We would listen to music
and sing horribly with the windows down on hot days or drive at night
until we were far enough away from the college lights to star watch or go
to the drive-in movies out in the middle of nowhere. Once we even slept
in the bed of the truck...only to get rained on in the middle of the night!
One piece of advice I would like to offer a college student :
Be who you are, ask tough questions, challenge injustice, learn from mistakes,
take criticism, pray, serve others, read, do your homework, spend more
time with people than with your computer, go to class, make friends, and
have fun!
|
Rev. Fr. Michael Ellis
North American OCF Chaplain
ocfchaplain@ocf.net
My Favorite College Memory:
A very specific moment in my first semester, when it dawned
upon me that I was now in control of my own destiny. No longer
could I lay blame on others for my inaction. If I were to attend
classes and grow in wisdom,then it was now exclusively my
choice of whether or not to engage, and when it came to my
faith, only I could determine whether or not I could call myself
an Orthodox Christian, based on my actions and not merely
my thoughts! I realized that right before me, my life was
happening now, and the decisions I made then and there
were my sole responsibility, and I would have to try and
make the very best ones and choose the most excellent
paths, rather than the easiest or most accesible!
One piece of advice I would like to offer a college student.
As someone raised in the Orthodox Faith or as ones seeking her
out, do not be afraid to test the waters of your faith and ask
of those most qualified to explain themselves and their beliefs.
We shouldn't be seeking the answers to the greater questions
of faith from those not interested or engaged in such in things,
just as we wouldn't ask for clarity on Math issues from our
English professor and vice versa. We too often, and intentionally
I believe, accept familiar or inadequate responses in our faith
struggles from those who have not yet truly engaged the Orthodox
Faith. If we want to know the truth about our faith, we should seek
out those with the most training, experience, or witness in devotion
to the Orthodox Faith, if we truly want to say that we've come to a
conclusion about her validity. Only then will we know for sure in our
own lives, whether we want to truly take this journey with Christ.
Fr. Peter Paproski
OCF Webmaster
webmaster@ocf.net
My favorite college memory:
Attending Church at a local
Orthodox Parish.
One piece of advice I would like to offer a college student :
I believe St. Paul's advice to the Apostle Timothy is most appropriate:
"Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in
speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (I Timothy 4:12)
|