Why I do what I do
Thus far in this new version of my blog, I’ve only been posting a few odds and ends and odd reflections. Let me make a transition.
Why do I do what I do? (And what is it that I do?)
I teach communication. I do it for one big reason: to help send top-notch graduates into the world to do something … hopefully something on the fun and exciting side, certainly something that’s rewarding, and most of all something that’s purposeful.
OWU has just posted stories on two students we’ve recently sent out: Jenn Hatfield and Mary Ruth O’Neal. I was fortunate enough to get to know them during their junior and senior years, my first and second years here at OWU. I didn’t radically redirect their lives in that short time. People like professor Steve Hughes and others made a larger imprint. But I had the opportunity to observe their hearts, learn something of their passions, size up their skills and abilities — and help get them connected with career opportunities.
Today, Jenn Hatfield is Web Content Coordinator for Voice of the Martyrs. She edits much of their web content and makes other contributions in graphic design and digital media. It’s an exciting role in an organization that draws attention to Christian witnesses on the front lines — those living exemplars of true faith, sharing the gospel in love and paying the price as the Apostles did in the Book of Acts.
Read the OWU piece on Jennifer.
As I write, Mary Ruth O’Neal is attending New York University’s Summer Publishing Institute in Manhattan, where she is working with leading professionals in the publishing industry, learning (a ton) about what makes the industry work, and making great connections for a career in publishing.
There’s nothing much more fun than sending students like these to do things like that.
That’s why I do what I do.