It seems weird that only a year ago, I was staring at my computer screen trying to write my SLB application. I was nervous, sure. I didn’t know if I could manage the work. I didn’t really know what I had to offer to the board, and I certainly couldn’t tell you three reasons why I was fit to be an RSL (hint: this will be important when you’re writing your app). I didn’t even have a solid professional reference. But what I did have was two years of amazing experiences in OCF. I had an incredibly supportive chapter that I had helped lead my sophomore year. I had been to two College Conferences and a retreat. I had friends I had made through OCF, random small group leaders who became my people (spoiler alert: OCF gives you friends). And lucky for me, I had two role models showing me exactly what serving the church on the SLB looked like.
I’m sure anyone on the board could tell you all the great things about being a servant leader, the amazing community and support of other young, Orthodox leaders, and all the great times we have when we’re together. You’ve heard it. I’ve probably said it. You can most definitely hear it again if you ask (and you might not even have to). So today I’m going to tell you all the crummy things about being on the SLB.
Coordinating meetings across four time zones is a NIGHTMARE. Working with people who are just waking up when you’re having lunch is the most frustrating thing ever. Your free time never lines up. EST is stuck in my head forever.
Goodbyes suck. And when you’ve spent a week praying, working, and laughing alongside your best friends you met a week ago, they really suck.
Thanks to Google Drive and Slack, I have ANOTHER thing to procrastinate with when I really should be doing homework. I know, OCF work is better than homework, but unfortunately, I can’t put midterms on pause just because it’s for church (maybe I can get an exception?)
Let’s just say time zones exist for a reason. When you haven’t seen your friends in months and the closest you’ll ever be is a five-hour plane ride away, it’s heartbreaking when you realize SLI is eight months away.
If you’ve held on to this terrible monologue this long, I have a feeling you’ve got what it takes. Stamina is a given. Determination helps a lot too, especially when the odds of pulling off an event are seriously stacked against you. You must love OCF a lot if you were even mildly entertained by this, so that’s another step in the right direction. And if you’re reading this in the first place, you want to serve. You want to get involved, and you want to be a steward of your talents. You know that God is calling you to serve His Church, and you know OCF has impacted you in so many ways and you know you want to step up.
So, apply. Don’t apply because I told you to (but you should apply). Don’t apply because your friends are applying (but you should encourage your friends to apply). Don’t apply because you want to get cool t-shirts (but you should design some cool merch for us). Don’t even apply because it sounds like fun (but I can guarantee, it will be fun).
Don’t apply because you think you can afford to give yourself over to Christ’s calling in your life. Apply because you can’t afford not to.
You get the drift.
Apply for the board.
Andrew Gluntz
Great Lakes Regional Student Leader
Andrew is the current student leader residing over the Great Lakes region, and is next year’s SLB Chairman. Andrew goes to THE Ohio State University and is a Chemical Engineering major. In his free time, Andrew enjoys cooking, swimming, and playing music. He is also ambidextrous! His favorite saint is Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnika. If you have any questions for Andrew feel free to reach out to him at greatlakesstudent@ocf.net
Every year, OCF selects a team of talented students to take on leadership positions in Orthodox campus ministry. The Student Leadership Board (SLB) works with staff and clergy volunteers to plan and implement the programs of OCF, advise and inspire their peers on campuses, and develop new resources and programs for Orthodox college students. OCF is currently seeking applicants for all positions for the 2019-2020 Student Leadership Board.
Serving on the SLB offers students a unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills while growing in their faith and giving back to the Church. Current Student Leadership Board Chairman, Caroline Mellekas, encourages any student who has been impacted by OCF to consider applying, “If you feel affected by the mission of OCF and called to carry it through offering your own gifts, then this is what’s next for you.”
As part of their training, SLB members will attend OCF’s Summer Leadership Institute free of charge! Additionally, SLB members will receive priority registration for College Conference and Real Break. Recommendations for applicants and questions can be directed at studentleadership@ocf.net. Applications are due MARCH 29, 2019.
Why I Applied: After continually hearing about this team of Orthodox Christians who 1) genuinely invested their unique selves into all that OCF offers 2) bore witness to living Orthodoxy in college, and 3) stood steadfast in a mission that aspired to served me— some student who they didn’t even know— I finally ran out of reasons why not to be like them and apply.
These servant leaders contribute their God-given talents and training into something greater than us all, for us all. Applying was an opportunity to use the gifts, strengths, and even weaknesses I have towards OCFs enhancement. How could I miss an opportunity to serve at the forefront of a ministry that transformed my reality?
Favorite Moment: On one of the nights of the Summer Leadership Institute everyone took a walk in St. Iakovos Retreat Center’s woods. We visited the various shrines scattered throughout the paths while chanting, praying, and hearing stories about each saint commemorated. Although powerful in its own experience, what particularly made this my favorite was how we got from saint to saint. We walked in what was seemingly total darkness and mud— something that as much as I love the outdoors, would have definitely not wanted to do alone—in fact, there’s no way I would even know where to walk. In walking with everyone, however, my steps never felt surer. We walked towards the saints collectively as one body, despite that many of us were strangers just days before and some of us even having yet to individually meet each other. We came from all across North America with different majors, jurisdictions, cultures; with different positions of OCF leadership and different stories; yet unconditionally united in our Orthodoxy. This above any other moment of SLI showed me who leaders of OCF are at their core, those walking together through the darkness and uncertainly—when things are challenging and sometimes scary—but nonetheless, yearning towards Christ as “the true Light Who enlightens and sanctifies” us and all our steps.
Biggest Takeaway: Each and every member of the team’s solidarity: we come to Christ first and put any jurisdiction second. The SLB is the most progressive way an emerging young adult can witness, collaborate, and develop opportunities for and with the maximum audience to carry pan-Orthodoxy in North America. In just a few months of teamwork, I experienced the unmatched potential of pan-Orthodox leadership over the limits of solely functioning through an inter-community network. The SLB proved that the reality of our Orthodox Christian strength rests in unity now more than ever.
Why Apply: Only the SLB utilizes the most effective means to combine who we are today as college students with the vocational foundation of our tomorrow as that future parishioner, spouse, and parent God wills for us. If you feel affected by this mission and called to carry it through offering your own gifts, then this is what’s next for you.
Mark Sultani, College Conference East Student Leader
Why I Applied: I wanted to serve my fellow college students to help bring their faith into their lives at school.
Favorite Moment: College Conference East banquet
Biggest Takeaway: Sometimes you’ve got to make it up as you go. It’s honestly more fun that way.
Why Apply: To serve Christ and His flock during an important time in their lives alongside other Orthodox Christian peers and leaders. Gain experiences leading events and meetings, coordinating with priests and bishops, speakers, participants, and hosts.
Amelia Barron, Midwest Student Leader
Why I Applied: I applied because I felt like there was a strong OCF community in my region, and I knew that there were a lot of people that could come together. Also, I am acquainted with a lot of priests and I thought that they all would want to get involved.
Favorite Moment: This passed Midwest spring retreat. Definitely. I met all new people, and it was incredible fellowship. I loved sitting around and hanging out with everyone. We played mafia until really late at night, and I genuinely felt that everyone was getting to know each other.
Biggest Takeaway: Orthodoxy is out there in the college community. Students care, it’s not just a select few. You just have to reach out to them.
Why Apply? Apply if you really want to make a difference, and if you have some ideas about OCF and want to change some aspects of it. You’d be surprised how your ideas, speaker choices, and retreats that are implemented can really help other students. It just gives them a place of comfort.
Michael Hostetler, Great Lakes Student Leader
Why I Applied: I applied to the OCF Student Leadership Board to expand my understanding of Orthodoxy in North America. Through attending Summer Leadership Institute, participating in board meetings, and planning my own retreats, I have a more complete understanding of what the future of Orthodoxy is going to be on our continent. The future of the Church is in our hands and from what I have seen, OCF has been an integral role in preparing me and thousands of Orthodox students alike to answer that call.
Favorite Moment: Summer Leadership Institute 2017! It was my first experience with Orthodox students from around the country, and it opened my eyes to the beauty that comes with pan-Orthodoxy.
Biggest Takeaway: Being on the SLB gave me amazing experiences that changed how I approach my spiritual life.
Why Apply? It is an opportunity to help shape the college experience of thousands of students around the continent while simultaneously strengthening your own college experiences and relationships.
Nora Haddad, College Conference West Student Leader
Why I Applied: I fell in love with College Conference West from my first time attending, and I applied to the SLB because God kept knocking, and knocking, and knocking…I couldn’t help but open the door and see what He was calling me to.
Favorite Moment: During College Conference West 2015, my first year as chairman, we prayed a Paraklesis service one evening, and on my committee, I had two liturgics committee members – an Antiochian male and a Greek woman, both extremely talented and proficient in their musical gifts for God. The man lead the men in a men’s choir (anyone who wanted to chant) in Antiochian style responses while the woman did the same with the women’s choir.
The first notably impressionable aspect of this specific service was that there were more people chanting in the choirs than there were sitting in the pews. None of us could know how beautifully the service would be, and by God’s grace through the leadership and confidence of each liturgics leader, we did an entire Paraklesis in a full, perfectly-synced mesh of Antiochian and Greek chanting styles/translations—so seamlessly, that one would not know how difficult something like that actually is! We all bore witness to a true “hymn” of pan-Orthodoxy, such pureness and love for God that was manifested through unity in worship by brothers and sisters in Christ.
Biggest Takeaway: My life has been transformed forever, especially from the lasting friendships and leadership experience I have gained through OCF. These humans were put in my life for my salvation, and are the most inspiring people I have met in my life—I did not know that so many like-minded, God loving, motivated people existed that are my age. My biggest takeaway is the Hope that OCF has given me for the present and future of Orthodox Christians in the Western world. This hope has inspired me to carry on that Love into everything I do, and to give to others what Christ has given me through OCF.
Why Apply?: “Inspiration is from the Holy Spirit.” As an SLB member, you have an opportunity and calling to contribute to the planning and activities that effect college students/anyone involved with OCF across the U.S. and Canada. You will meet incredible people, benefit from the experience of others, and learn TRUE leadership skills centered around Christ (that also benefit you in your future professional careers). Most importantly, you will have a network of people praying for you and people you can pray for as well. You are never, ever alone, are provided with the support you need as an OCF Leader, and the spiritual benefits are soul-saving.
Peter Savas, College Conference Midwest Student Leader
Why I Applied: I applied to the SLB because I saw it as a great opportunity to further develop my ministry by learning from amazing people whom I look up to, and by having real first hand experience while also having support to help me grow.
Favorite Moment: My favorite moment is when I re-met Mark Sultani.
Biggest Takeaway: The people around you are the people who make you who you are.
Why Apply: Apply to the SLB because it is a unique opportunity to harvest your leadership, problem-solving, promoting, and delegating skills in and for an Orthodox environment. It is one of the most humbling experiences, and also the most enlightening. Through your interactions with the SLB, with OCF, and with your faith, you will no longer just be a passive observer, but rather an active servant. And there is nothing more powerful than that.
Why I Applied: I don’t have a strong OCF chapter on my campus, and my freshman year was spiritually lonely. After attending College Conference in 2014, my eyes were opened to the wide world of OCF, and the many other opportunities I had to get involved and make a community for myself.
Favorite Moment: Definitely the Midwest Regional Retreat last spring. After working as Midwest RSL for two years, I planned this retreat and was absolutely blown away by the students that attended. Our registration reached capacity, we had incredible speakers, and I was able to see so clearly how the Holy Spirit works through this ministry.
Biggest Takeaway: My experience on the SLB has given me incredible leadership experience and given me the opportunity to connect with other Orthodox college students. Most importantly, the SLB has been fundamental in forming my faith as an adult, and given me meaningful friendships that will last beyond the four years of undergrad.
Why Apply: To find some of your best friends, grow in your faith, and become a servant leader for this important ministry.
Why I Applied: OCF isn’t just another school organization. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it a thousand times over. The opportunities provided by OCF are ones that teach, guide, encourage, and engage in ways I have never experienced in any other organization. There are things you learn in OCF that can be integrated into every aspect of your life. Having been challenged through so many different aspects of my faith alongside some of the best friends became one of the many reasons I applied to be on the SLB. I applied because I knew this would be one of the greatest decisions I would ever make (this has been proven true). In applying, I would be given one of the greatest opportunities in helping create events specifically catered to my OCF region. I knew OCF would always hold such a special place in my heart and now that I’ve had the blessing of serving on the SLB it’s more than integrated into everything I will ever do. To serve on this board has been one of my favorite adventures.
Favorite Moment: SLI, getting to help with College Conference, meeting new people at every event I’ve attended, and ultimately, gaining one of my best friends off of the SLB + so many more.
Biggest Takeaway: God’s love, grace, and kindness that radiates through the amazing people OCF has brought me whom I’ll be carrying with me through life.
Why Apply? Why not apply?
Anna Sobchak, Real Break Student Leader
Why I Applied: I really wanted to experience more of OCF at the national level because my favorite parts of OCF had been their national programs, most notably Real Break, as my current role may imply. Plus, as a senior I felt like it was my time to give back to this organization.
Favorite Moment: My favorite part of the SLB has definitely been SLI (the Summer Leadership Institute). It’s rare that you find a group of strangers from all over the continent that you instantly click with, and yet within mere days, I was absolutely in love.
Biggest Takeaway: My biggest takeaway…serving on the SLB has added depth to my faith. I joined the SLB because I felt like it was time for me to give back to the organization that had given so much to me already, but being a part of this ministry has taught me to be more intentional about my faith, to refocus and prioritize my life, and to appreciate just how rewarding serving in this ministry is.
Why Apply? Apply to the SLB because its just simply awesome.
Markayla Stroubakis, Southwest Student Leader
Why’d I Applied: I initially applied with some prodding and encouragement from the RSL before me. I figured it would be a cool opportunity, and just went for it, and here I am 3 years later!
Favorite Moment: In all 3 years I’ve had lots of favorite moments. But one of them has to be a rather humbling one. I planned a retreat and somehow on the day of, nobody showed up except me and the priest. I was pretty upset at first, and wanted to cancel it when I got the last text from a registrant saying they couldn’t come. But the priest told me we had to have the retreat, so when people asked, we could tell them how great it was. It was such a wonderful afternoon exploring my faith practically one-on-one with a priest. I learned so much about myself that day and it truly reinforced to me to always trust in God’s plan.
Biggest Takeaway: My biggest takeaway from OCF has been that this program truly changes you. Before I joined OCF, I was good about going to church and chanting and it was really nice. But that was it, just nice. Joining OCF has changed my attitude from feeling obliged to going to church to actually wanting to go to church. I read Orthodox books because I want to. I participate in and lead retreats and discussions not because I feel like I know the most about the Faith or the Church Fathers’ sayings, but because I want to learn from others and be that person who brings everyone together.
Why Apply: READ ABOVE ANSWER! Let yourself be open to having these experiences. If you’re on the fence, apply anyway because you truly will not know the difference that OCF will have on your life until you’re thrown into this position. You don’t have to be champion of Bible Bowl or chanter extraordinaire. Just be you. You’ll come out of this with a heightened sense of yourself as a college student, yourself as a leader, and yourself as an Orthodox Christian.
Quinn Marquardt, Mountain Student Leader
Why I Applied: I wanted to grow my region, grow my own chapter, and be able to make a difference on the lives of others.
Favorite Memory: I would say my favorite moment would just be SLI. Meeting the 17-18 board and opening it up to everyone was amazing. I met so many new people and made new lifelong friends.
Biggest Takeaway: I think my biggest takeaway would be that everyone is different. When I first joined the board, I was so shy and didn’t know what I would be doing. After being on the board, I have learned that everyone is different and when you reach out to someone, that can make all the difference.
Why Apply: Being on the board has changed my life for the better. I have made so many new friends, met new people, been able to get chapters up and running, and have had so many amazing experiences. If you apply, I know all of these will happen to you and hopefully even more. The SLB is such a wonderful thing and I know from experience, it will have a large impact on your life.
Spyridoula Fotinis, Public Relations Student Leader
Why I Applied: I re-applied because I just love the ministry of OCF so much and could not imagine transferring to a new school without a strong presence of OCF and the support of my fellow SLBers and well as all wonderful OCF peeps around North America.
Favorite Moment: Photo ops at SLI – We are totally weird and it’s great. Weird Orthodox SLBers.
Biggest Takeaway: Christ is Everything, and we need a strong community of peers to remind us of this and help us in our ministry to Christ in OCF and just in general, being strengthened by the wonderful people I serve with in all moments of life. They’re always only a phone call away.
Why Apply? There’s never a better time to serve Christ and His Church and your peers across North American than RIGHT NOW!! This present moment is incredibly important! It will be such a blessing in everything you do, and it’s always awesome how each new person brings so much to OCF. Just apply and trust in God! It’s gonna be great 🙂
Anastasia Lysack, Podcast Student Leader
Why I Applied: I applied because I wanted to serve the people who served me. I would not be the person I am today without my experiences in OCF, and I felt it was time to give back. Also, I had been involved with OCF for a while and loved the leadership position I already had in my chapter, so I felt that joining the SLB was the next logical step in my OCF involvement.
Favorite Moment: It’s so hard to pick one! That being said, one moment that is really sticking out to me as I write this happened last summer at the Summer Leadership Institute. The SLB had just spent an amazing two days getting to know one another and preparing for the upcoming school year, and now it was time for the other SLI participants to join us for the next several days. As many smiling faces trickled into the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, I was so impressed, not only by how joy-filled this group was, but how incomplete SLI was with only the Student Leadership Board present. Each member of OCF that I meet, whether they’re in a leadership position or not, inspires me in so many ways. It was then that I suddenly remembered that this was the reason I decided to apply for the SLB in the first place, and it helped me to see the rest of the Summer Leadership Institute in a different light than I did when I arrived there. Biggest Takeaway: It’s true that OCF needs students to help run its regional retreats, Real Break, College Conference, public relations, podcast, blog, and social media accounts (this isn’t even everything the SLB does!), but I don’t think I realized when I first sent out my application how much I needed the SLB. College is a time when we are encouraged to focus on our personal goals, and while there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it is all too easy to put your own needs before anything else (and yes, you can be doing this while still going to church on a weekly basis and never missing an OCF meeting). Being on the SLB taught me that, if I can take several hours out of my already busy week to serve the Church during college, then I honestly have no excuse not to dedicate that same amount of time to the Church once I’ve graduated. After all, the ultimate goal of OCF isn’t to create students that are really great OCF students — it is to encourage students in their walk with God and their service to the Church. While it’s completely true that there are many ways to serve the Church (different people are called on different paths — and that’s perfectly okay), I would encourage you to get in contact with an SLB member if you’re interested in applying. We would be more than happy to answer your questions.
Why Apply? Make new friends! Gain experiences that your college isn’t going to give you! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to serve the Church!
Fevronia Koufogazos, Southeast Student Leader
Why I applied: I saw the impact that the SLB had on OCF when I went to my first regional retreat and that was definitely something I wanted to be a part of. As much as I loved being just a member of OCF, I knew there was so much more that I could do to contribute to helping other college students grow in their faith.
Favorite moment: Reading Ben’s notes after each conference call (yes? no? maybe?). SLI for sure. Spending a week at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center with an awesome bunch of people was the best way to end summer break.
Biggest takeaway: I’ve always wanted to serve our faith and our Church in some way and being a part of the SLB has definitely allowed me to accomplish that. This experience will prepare me for after college graduation when I want to continue my involvement in church ministries.
Why apply: Be a part of something bigger than yourself!! It is our job as Orthodox Christians to bring others closer to Christ, and being on the SLB is a perfect way to do that. Also, automatically having a group of 18 friends is pretty cool too.
Mark Saber, Media Student Leader
Why I Applied: Shoutout to Christina Andresen and Kathrine Sackllah for encouraging me to apply. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I had friends who were on the leadership board, and it seemed fun.
Favorite Moment: My favorite moments were definitely all of leadership training and college conference — since I got to meet some of the coolest people EVER.
Biggest Takeaway: My biggest takeaway from the SLB has been the friendships I’ve formed with people I’ve met through OCF.
Why Apply? Ya got nothing to lose my friend. If you like meeting awesome people, being in charge of stuff, and going to OCF events, then go! Apply like the wind! Still undecided? Please refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXsQAXx_ao0
David Munkres, Northwest Student Leader
Why I Applied: I wanted to be able to provide the students of the Northwest Region with a space to grow in Christ! OCF has made me own my Orthodox Faith and has been one of the biggest blessings God has bestowed on me. I wanted to share that joy with others!
Favorite Moment: My favorite moment of my two years on the OCF board was attending College Conference (West and Midwest). I had a great time at both conferences meeting people from all over the nation!
Biggest Takeaway: I came away from the SLB is friends from all over the nation who I call brothers and sisters! The people really made the experience!
Why Apply? Apply because you want to have the experience of your life through OCF! OCF will give you what you put into it. Give it your all and OCF will change your life!
After the positive response to our post last week of unattributed quotes to the New Orleans Real Break workers, we decided to do it again–this time, with our SLB members, encouraging you to apply to the SLB!
Quotes from: Markayla Stroubakis, Dan Bein, David Munkres, Emma Solak, Isabella Calpakis, Kathrine Sackllah, Mark Sultani, Nicole Petrow, Niko Wilk, Nora Haddad, Oana Grigoras, Peter Savas, Quinn Marquardt, Rachel Howanetz, Spiro Morris, Spyridoula Fotinis.
Question 1: How has being a member of the SLB affected your day-to-day life? What about your life overall?
“Hilarious group chat.”
“First, a GroupMe and a Snapchat group that never stops and kills my phone battery. Second, a GroupMe and Snapchat group that makes me literally laugh out loud, inspires me daily, and fills me with joy.”
“I now have 16 extra people that I pray for daily and look forward to hearing from in our GroupMe chat.”
“Honestly, the board has made me more motivated to keep my faith in the center of my life. Being in constant communication with people like Dan Bein, the Solaks, Niko Wilk, Nikky P, and literally everybody on the board makes me constantly see the benefits of living a Christ-centered life and it reminds me of how much I want that, and motivates me to do it.”
“My life overall has been affected in one of the most beautifully positive ways from being able to serve on the SLB. It is difficult to put words to the experience. I have been blessed with opportunities to meet and serve with other Orthodox Christian college students from all over North America. Many of which share my love and passion for the important ministry that is OCF. These people and opportunities are what continue to keep me working through the not-so-easy parts of college life, and ultimately has brought abundant amounts of laughs, smiles, and joy into my life.”
“Being a member of the SLB has, without a doubt, affected my day-to-day life. Growing up and even into my first year of college, I was very shy and introverted. I did not like being around people and talking to people was the worst! But I can honestly say, that being on the SLB has changed that. I feel more comfortable being around others and talking to people. I feel like being a member of the SLB has helped me to see what kind of person I am. It has showed me that I can be a leader and that I am able to just be myself without being shy and introverted. ”
Question 2: If you could assign one adjective to qualify what the SLB means to you, which would you choose and why?
“Well, I just had to Google what an adjective was…yikes! But my answer: There are definitely other adjectives to try to describe what the SLB means to me, but the word powerful hits it home for me. I joined the SLB not exactly sure what I was getting myself into. However, the moment I met my fellow SLBers, I felt like that was the place that I belonged. Being on the SLB has led to me coming out of my comfort zone and doing things I never imagined doing. I made friendships that I never thought would happen. I ran my own regional retreat which was very impactful. Being on the SLB has had a powerful influence on my life and has also changed my life for the better. ”
“Family. It’s not an adjective but it’s the truth. Although I’m not the best at keeping in touch, I still feel connected to each person on the board. I honestly can’t explain why, but having Christ at the root of not only a relationship, but an entire community (like the SLB and OCF as a whole).. idk, it’s awesome. It’s an unexplicable personal and communal connection and devotion to Christ. I feel this way while I’m in the altar or in my congregation at home, but this is different because it’s not restricted to the walls of the church. It’s clear across campuses, state lines, and jurisdictions… so, it’s really cool and feels like a family.”
“Thankful. I’m incredibly thankful to have served on the SLB for two years. It has given me more than I ever could have possibly dreamed of giving it. I am thankful for the best friends I have made, who have done awe-inspiring things for OCF; Christina and Donna who work so hard and offer sage life advice; every speaker I’ve ever heard at an OCF who taught me something new and strengthened my faith; every OCFer I’ve met who has filled me with the light of Christ that shines from within them. OCF has been the heart of my college experience and the SLB has been the heart of hearts.”
“Family – The SLB has become my Orthodox family in college. More meaningful than any friend group or club, the SLB is a family which has formed my faith life and personal culture during years where they may have suffered otherwise.”
“Being on the SLB is fulfilling. You are serving the students in your region out of love. If you serve out of love, then there will be no greater joy that OCF can offer. Working to plan retreats and events where students can find God is some of the most fulfilling work I have ever done. It has also led to a deeper relationship with Christ.”
“Real. Being on the Board is real for me. I produce real things, like videos and podcasts, interact with real people online, and participate in real projects with my other Board members. It’s not just theoretically talking about how to minister to my fellow college denizens, but it’s really ministry.”
“Adventurous…not only has being on the SLB allowed me to form new ideas and experiences, but I have also literally traveled thousands of miles to be with the SLB at retreats, conferences, and Real Break, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Question 3: Why would you recommend someone apply to the SLB?
“There’s absolutely no reason not to apply to the SLB. I hate the words “I can’t” (ask Oana, she’ll attest to this). Apply because you love OCF, want to help it grow, have awesome new ideas, see room for change, want to grow stronger in your faith, want to develop your leadership and life skills, want to use your time and talent to serve God, and want to meet and work with some of the most faithful, funny, uplifting, and humble people who you will be privileged to call you friends.”
“Chances are that you have unique gifts that God intended for you to share with others. What is a better way to do that, than to step outside of your comfort zone, apply to the SLB, and use these gifts to make OCF an unforgettable experience for college students. (Is this supposed to be a question mark and not a period? Help me Ben English isn’t my first language)”
“Each of us possess specific skills and traits that give us the ability to serve others. By applying to be on the SLB, you would have the chance to become a leader for the Orthodox Church in a position that would ignite your inner potential. The effort that you offer is an act of love that would help the lives of college students in the Faith and especially those seeking Christ.”
“The running joke is that the SLB gives you friends. Yes, but you get so much more out of it, too. I don’t know about you, but I am constantly hearing the message–use your talents and gifts for the glory of God. If you love the OCF ministry and want to learn more about what it means to serve others with your whole heart, apply to the SLB. It is a humbling experience to be able to serve Christ and the church through this ministry. I encourage you to think about your God-given talents, your priorities, and how you want to spend your college career. Could you see yourself serving on the SLB? If so, apply. :)”
“I would recommend someone to apply to the SLB because it’s a great opportunity not only to learn the faith, but to actively do faith. Just by being on the SLB, you think about God and your faith on a regular basis, which at college can be difficult. And! you get to do something so cool with an organization that is worthwhile. So, selfishly, it keeps me on track through gaining knowledge and serving others which is a really cool thing.”
Michael Hostetler, Great Lakes Student Leader
Valerie Hanna, South Student Leader
