Apply Now! Invite your youth to join us at The Confluence, June 23rd-28th, 2024

Written by Gretchen Roeck

Do you know a high school student who is trying to figure out who they are and what kind of life they want to live? Invite them to attend The Confluence!��

The Confluence at Augsburg University is a week where high schoolers are invited to explore their vocation — that space where their personal story, God’s story and the world’s story converge.��

Invite the youth you know to our weeklong, on-campus, summer program for high school students who have completed 9th-12th grades.��

Students will learn through:

– vocational discernment

– meaningful peer relationships����

– experiential learning with local leaders and organizations in the TwinCities

– personal reflection and discernment

– small group conversation led by current Augsburg student mentors

– spiritual practices and daily worship

– theological inquiry and study with Augsburg professor, Dr. Jeremy Myers.��

We hope to reach curious youth who want to live purposefully in relationship with their neighbors, orientated to God’s vision of a just and sustainable world for all. Questions and doubts are welcome.��

Cost: $400/participant. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Augsburg University.��

Apply now at: /confluence/join-us-this-summer/

Application Deadline: May 15th

Augsburg Scholarship Opportunity:�� Students who attend The Confluence and decide to attend Augsburg University as a full-time student will receive a minimum of $20,000 applied to their financial aid package for up to four years.

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Please contact Gretchen Roeck, Program Director

roeck@augsburg.edu

612-330-1412

augsburg.edu/confluence

The post Apply Now! Invite Your Youth to Join Us at The Confluence, June 23rd-28th, 2024 appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

Chiara Jirillo | Class of 2025 | Milan, Italy

Major: New Media Studies, Minor: Graphic Design

I first moved to Minnesota in February of 2021 to be an au pair. I took care of an infant, while living with my host family, and we created such a strong bond that I decided to come back to Minnesota as a student. I am a very devoted person when it comes to my loved ones. My deepest hopes are that compassion and understanding become the foundation of human interactions, allowing empathy and fostering unity across different cultures. My goal is to go to Switzerland for my Master’s degree and start working for the United Nation to help maintain international peace and achieve international cooperation. I love to spend time with my close friends and host family.

Theo Coval | Class of 2026| Robbinsdale, MN��

Major: Biospsychology, Minors: Religion & Creative Writing

I chose Augsburg because of its disability accommodations and small campus. It’s also very close to where I live so as a commuter that is ideal. I have an excessive amount of exotic pets, including pond fish, birds, tarantulas/inverts, snakes, and an iguana roughly four feet long. I suppose I’d like to see a world where people have higher empathy, particularly along cultural lines. I think entertainment plays a big role in how people see different identities with how they are represented and portrayed in media, for example the now-defunct Hays Code made it so that certain television programs could only depict queer characters in a negative or villainous light. As an author I try to include authentic representation of a variety of identities in my work in an attempt to normalize the inclusion of all peoples in our social narrative. One thing I love to do is write. I am constantly working on fiction projects.

Marcia Francois | Class of 2026 | Brooklyn Park, MN

Major: Psychology, Minor: Sociology��

I came to Augsburg University because it was close to home and also because of the diverse community on campus. One thing that is unique about me is my voice. I have heard it is very unique for a female. My deepest hope for this world is that people learn to understand and accept each other’s differences. As a student leader on campus, I have taken classes such as the Emerging Leaders Program and Leadership Studies to understand better the world we live in and the people who inhabit it. One thing I love to do is pamper myself.

Danny Ho | Class of 2025 | St. Paul, MN

Major: Finance

I decided to attend Augsburg because I wanted to attend an smaller school with a tight community. I love how diverse Augsburg is and the fact that Augsburg is in the cities. One of my passions is Entrepreneurship. My deepest hope is for everyone to find their true calling in life. I believe one of the most important days of your life is when you find your purpose. I want to become a leader that inspires people to become the best versions of themselves. I love to sing.

Cynthia Faber | Class of 2024 | Galena, MD

Majors: Psychology and Law, Religion

I grew up in a rural area and I knew when applying to college that I wanted to move to a city to gain new experiences, but I also still wanted to go to a small school so I could form strong relationships with my peers and professors. After talking with the advisors and students at Augsburg I knew that Augsburg was going to be the best fit for me. One thing that I love about myself is that I try to find the positive in every situation. I hope that in the future people won’t have to choose between paying their bills and being fed. I aim to provide accessible and comprehensive information, guidance, and support to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions, advocate for social change, and contribute to a world where basic needs are met for all, regardless of financial constraints. Additionally, I aspire to promote understanding, empathy, and cooperation among people of diverse backgrounds to foster a more compassionate and equitable global society. In my free time I like to spend time in nature.

Hamartii Hailu | Class of 2024 | Minneapolis, MN

Major: Biology, Minor: Psychology

Augsburg was my first choice since it is so close to home, has a small campus, and was the university that offered me the best financial aid package. I decided to attend another university under the impression that a distance away from home was the best for me. It didn’t take long to know that Augsburg was the place for me. I only stayed a semester at that university before transferring to Augsburg. The people who are closest to me would say what makes me unique is my ability to empathize and understand others. I’m the oldest child of immigrant parents which I feel plays a large part in who I am. My deepest hope for the world we live in is to spread lots of love, positivity, support, and encouragement to our neighbors through every encounter we have. You never know what someone is going through, and that small genuine encounter can make someone’s day shine. I will continue to spread love and support. I hope that I can play a larger role in helping that become a reality but taking it into my career as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. I love to be around my family and friends, enjoy the outdoors, and watch documentaries or thriller movies.

Natty Woldeyes | Class of 2024 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Majors: Music Business, Computer Science

I ended up at Augsburg because it was a small size school in-town with great academia, world class music faculty, and great degree programs. I love the fact that I enjoy art and music, and it gives me satisfaction. My deepest hope for the world is a future where the people have compassion and empathy for each other. I want to bring harmony and inspiration to people of our world through art and music. In my free time, I love to go out to any music shows.

Elisa Pagan | Class of 2024 | Italy

Major: International Relations, Minor: International Business

After high school, I wanted to leave Italy and study abroad. After living a year in Atlanta, I decided that the U.S. was where I wanted to continue my education. I applied to different universities, and Augsburg seemed like an amazing opportunity for this journey. I love the resilience and determination I bring to every aspect of my life. I hope to see more women occupying influential positions and leadership in the upcoming years, be it in the geopolitical, socio-economic, or personal lives. I would like to work with international organizations and NGOs, to provide humanitarian aid and diplomatic solutions. I really love hiking and watching TV shows.

The post Introducing the 2023 – 2024 Christensen Scholars appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

The CONFLUENCE

What a gift to host the 2023 Augsburg Youth Theology Institute: the Confluence! Our souls are refreshed, hearts are full, and bodies exhausted. On Sunday, June 25th, 20 high school students from Northfield, to North Minneapolis, to North Dakota and beyond, arrived on campus to spend a week focused on vocation, think theologically, and ask big questions about God’s purpose for their lives. This was the first in-person Institute we have been able to host in four years, and it was an incredible experience. Young people arrived eager to meet new people and share their stories, excited to learn more about themselves and the world around them, and dig deeper into God’s story.

WHAT DID WE DO?��

Participants stayed on campus in Anderson Hall and spent the week eating in the dining hall. We woke up every morning and started the day with a devotion prepared by college mentors. Participants spent 1.5 hours each morning in a college classroom with a college professor, digging into theology and exploring the same biblical texts offered for daily devotions. We built relationships with others in our small groups, we played games, we told stories. We got out into the community and we ate delicious food. Every evening we worshiped, in unique and different ways each day. A favorite of all participants was Dinner Church where we shared communion, a meal, and a little karaoke! The song “Wade in the Water” was a constant throughout the week (Refrain: wade in the water, wade in the water children, wade in the water. Don’t you know that God’s gonna trouble the water.)��

VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT

Participants engaged in multiple activities designed to help them reflect on the God given gifts they have and get curious about how they might use them in the world. They started by mapping their life as if it were a river, what bends and turns has it taken, are there any rocks in the way, who are the people that waved from the river bank. Then they took the CliftonStrengths assessment and spent time learning about strengths and how to use them. Each participant took a spiritual gifts assessment and talked with other participants about what they have in common and how they use their gifts.��

On Thursday, staff from the Riverside Innovation Hub joined participants to teach about the Ignatian Prayer practice of consolation and desolation. They gave directions for engaging in a Prayer Walk around the neighborhood, similar to what they use with congregations. Participants spent time walking through the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood focusing on where they experienced consolation and desolation. They returned to draw their own maps, share their stories, and make plans for a prayer walk in their own neighborhoods when they return home.��

COMMUNITY ENGAGED LEARNING

What is the world’s story? Each afternoon, we ventured out into the city to learn from local leaders about the issues that break our hearts. We learned from a local Indigenous elder about the genesis and genocide of the Dakota people in Minnesota. We heard from local climate change activists about the devastating effects of the pipelines moving through northern Minnesota and how choosing solar power can make a lasting change. We were guided through the George Floyd Memorial site by local leaders on a pilgrimage journey of grief and pain that still impacts lives today. Each day was filled with powerful reflection and learning. Each participant was challenged and grew during this week.��

STAY TUNED!

Our hope for participants is that this experience helped them to gain deeper insight into who they are and the life they want to live as children of God. Coming in August, we will be publishing a website with participant projects. Each participant has an opportunity to use the creative gifts God has given them to write a poem, sing a song, create art, use photography, make a video or something else to explore their own vocation following their experience at the Confluence. We look forward to celebrating the final projects these incredible young people develop!��

P.S. We hope you go back and look at our daily pictures and videos from the week on our social media accounts – on or ! And if your congregation is supporting a young person in sharing their experience from this week, please tag us so we can help you celebrate!��

The post The CONFLUENCE: a place where your story, the world’s story, and God’s story flow together. appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

One of the ways the Christensen Center for Vocation is engaging in vocational discernment with students is through the hiring and training of college mentors as facilitators for the annual Augsburg Youth Theology Institute. Mentors spend the spring semester discerning their own God given gifts, practicing small group facilitation, digging into theological texts with curiosity for how they might give us some insight into the questions we have about how to show up as neighbors in our own neighborhoods, churches, schools, and communities.��

This year’s mentors are engaged, curious, and determined to create a community of belonging for our participants. And that means focusing on their own development. They are practicing leading prayer, asking questions, developing their strengths, understanding their spiritual gifts, and digging into texts. Stay tuned for our upcoming social media introductions and highlights from the end of the month training retreat – follow up on or to learn more!��

APPLY TODAY!

Do you know high school students who would benefit from an experience like this?��

The CONFLUENCE is an experience that empowers young people to be curious about how their personal story, the world’s story, and God’s story flow together to create a loving and just world. In June of each year, we invite high school students to spend a week living on campus with our college mentors, building relationships and getting to know one another, exploring theology and discerning vocation through experiential learning opportunities. Our hope is for them to gain deeper insight into who they are and the life they want to live as children of God. This learning happens through many forms: academic inquiry in the classroom, community engaged learning, a variety of worship styles and spiritual practices.��

College mentors play an important role as facilitator and guide for the high school participants throughout the week as everyone leans into opportunities for vocational discernment.��

Applications are open until May 15th – will you JOIN US THIS SUMMER!��

MEET THE 2023 MENTORS FOR THE CONFLUENCE!

Jasmyn Kendall (she/her/hers)��

• First, Major/Minor: 3rd year Biochemistry major
• Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Restorative, Learner, Achiever, Significance, Futuristic

Tell a story that was influential in your faith journey

I grew up going to church every Sunday, never really understanding it, just learnt the songs. After a couple years in Minnesota a lot of things changed for my family and my interest in learning and understanding the bible was triggered. I started going back to church to understand and live the gospel.

Sarah Runck (She/Her/Hers)

• Year/Major/Minor: 3rd year Music Therapy major, Psychology and Religion minors
• Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Includer, Developer, Positivity, Maximizer, Input��

Tell a story that was influential in your faith journey.

Growing up, I only went to church because I had to and I never understood why my parents liked it so much. In fifth grade all that changed because we found out my dad had cancer. At the time, I didn’t really understand what was happening and all my parents would say was “Just pray. Everything will be okay”. I still did not understand. One night I started crying and just began talking to myself. It was a weird feeling but I felt a presence, like someone was there listening. A few weeks passed and 2-3 times a week I had to go to my dad’s dialysis after school. I would sit with him and we would talk. Those conversations stick with me today as they helped influence my faith because he was getting strong in his faith. After three years, my dad sadly passed away. It wasn’t until the night he passed that I truly found my faith. I cried for days and nights and got so angry at God. But as time passed I was comforted, supported, and given signs by God. Shortly after, the anger went away and the part of me that was missing was finally discovered. But it took losing something to gain something more. My life was forever changed. I was able to meet some mentors who helped me and changed my life. I started teaching religious education to children and young adults. I became actively involved in several churches and organizations. I was able to help people get through losses because I experienced it. I even had people reach out to me saying that my faith had inspired them. When I look back at my fifth grade self, never would I imagine me to be where I am right now. My faith is a big part of my everyday life and I am proud to be the person who I am today because of it.

Carson Vincent (He/Him/They/Them)��

• Year/Major/Minor: 3rd year Biochemistry and Religion major
• Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Analytical, Strategic, Individualization, Connectedness, learner��

Tell a story that was influential in your faith journey.

Summer of 2022 I worked on weeklong staff at a bible camp. I worked as the waterfront coordinator. The experience of working at a bible camp was very transformative for me. I grew up attending bible camp every summer as a kid. I was always my happiest and most authentic self at bible camp. This rang true as a councilor. Being a part of such a charged faith space all summer really showed me that my call is to ministry. I’m currently planning on attending seminary after graduation, and working at a bible camp really solidified my plans to go into ministry.

Ella Sutherland�� (she/her/hers)��

• First, Major/Minor: 2nd year Elementary Education major
• Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Includer, restorative, Woo, Developer, and Futuristic

Tell a story that was influential in your faith journey.

Coming to Augsburg I was very introverted and shy. I did not enjoy public speaking. However, this year I wanted to take more risks and make more connections with people. Campus Ministries always hosts a block party in September. It sounded really fun so I decided to go. I tried to reach out more and talked to the pastors and the student deacons. They were very friendly and answered any questions that I had. Everyone was so friendly, it made me want to grow in my own faith and to regularly attend church and really become more involved on campus.

Bella Wizik (She/her/hers)��

• First, Major/Minor: 1st year Film, Communications, and New Media major
• Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Discipline, Includer, Responsibility, Focus, Restorative

Tell a story that was influential in your faith journey.

In middle school I used to tag along with my friend to her youth group outings. I wasn’t raised religious so each time I went it was a new and unique experience. One night after some bible study and small group discussion we went to Mcdonalds and paid for the cars order behind us. After that we went down to Canal Park which is on the edge of Lake Superior, and we handed out fresh red roses to those that were passing by. I remember seeing the smiles on peoples faces and the joy that we brought to them. Seeing this, and being a part of a group that had good intentions in our community was empowering and fulfilling. So I continued to attend youth group with her and some of my other friends, and after many more joyous experiences similar to the roses, I had no plans to stop.��

The post Mentors Practice Vocational Discernment In Preparation for the Institute! appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

Have you ever left a meeting and the minute you sign off or walk away you just smile as a wave of gratitude washes over you? That happened to me after meeting with Jaelyn Arndt, an Augsburg alum and current Assistant Director of Communications at the NCAA.��

We at the Christensen Center for Vocation (CCV) were intrigued to hear Jaelyn’s story after a tweet last summer where she answered the question “What is your calling?” She credits the Auggie support system for helping her find her dream. We, at CCV are curious to know the various ways we see vocation lived out on a daily basis in the lives and work of our Augsburg colleagues, students, alums, and our neighbors in the Cedar-Riverside and Seward neighborhoods.

By vocation we mean the ways we are compelled, empowered, challenged, freed, and responsible to show up (individually and collectively) in ways that help our neighbors and neighborhoods thrive. We believe every individual and every institution experiences a vocational tug.

This is a story about how an Augsburg alum became an engaged neighbor through learning about her own vocation.��

Jaelyn graciously agreed to meet with me (Ellen Weber) via Zoom from Indiana and share her story.��

When Jaelyn came to Augsburg to tour, she was guided by our Volleyball Head Coach, Jane Becker and Assistant Coach, Jennifer Jacobs. She walked away from that tour years ago thinking, “These are my people!” So after her senior year at Washburn, she started at Augsburg and was part of the volleyball team.����

Throughout her time at Augsburg, Jaelyn leaned on her volleyball teammates and staff like family. “Because it is a D3 school, people actually cared about me and my wellbeing.” The volleyball team was a place where Jaelyn learned who people are. “Before the season started, our coach would give us working packets about our teammates. We had workshops where we learned each other’s love languages, how we like to be approached, and how we give feedback. We started our practices sharing what we were grateful for or sharing how our day was. It mattered who we are and that we knew who actually was on the court with us.”��

It was clear from speaking with Jaelyn that she felt that the volleyball community honored her whole being, not just the athlete part of her identity. This is the power of an expansive definition of vocation. That it is who we are and how we show up in the world that is our vocation.

She broke her ankle after her second year, and she found herself asking the question, “Who am I?” This isn’t uncommon for someone to experience when we think about our vocation as one thing, one career, or one role. That ends up being all that we think we are, so when we all of a sudden can’t perform that one role, we can end up in an identity crisis.��

After Jaelyn’s injury, she decided to go to chapel more often on Wednesday evenings, which opened her ears to deep listening. It was there that she learned about the language around calling and vocation at Augsburg. She learned that who one is is different than what one does and, as she explains, “What matters is how I show up because who I am is with me all the time.”

Jaelyn shared that Augsburg taught her about how to be in the world. She learned how to show up in different spaces with all types of people and the importance of creating a welcoming space for all. Throughout her interactions in all sorts of departments, (Jaelyn worked in lots of departments throughout her time here!) Jaelyn learned how to accompany those around her by listening to their stories and finding ways to share those stories with the world. She learned how she is called to show up as neighbor through storytelling.��

Jaelyn first realized her calling of storytelling when she went to Australia to study abroad. She began sharing her own stories via Visco and learned that she loved it and was good at it. Since she graduated from Augsburg she had a few different jobs sharing stories in non-profit work and coaching volleyball. Then in January of 2022, she started her dream job of working at the NCAA. She thinks about who is highlighted in the story and who is telling the story. She knows that counter-narratives matter. While she was talking with me, I could feel in my own body Jaelyn’s passion and energy for her own vocation of digital storytelling.��

I asked Jaelyn for her advice for folks uncovering their vocation. She came up with the following:

• There is not one path, but it is okay to get off the path!
• Chase what fills your cup.��
• Be patient as there is no checkbox for life!
• When you are living your authentic life your life will feel so filled.����
• Look for healthy environments: positive good people allow you to put your best work forward.��

Jaelyn shared in the beginning of our time together a quote that impacts her work and life that is important to her. It is from Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It reminds her that relationships matter.��

It was clear from start to finish of our interview that Jaelyn cares how she shows up in the world for her neighbor. She is genuine in her interest in hearing the stories of those around her.�� She is passionate about finding ways to share those stories with the world, especially sharing stories that counter and challenge systems of oppression. She reinforced how Augsburg is a huge part of her identity today, and that everything comes back to it. She is grateful to the Augsburg community and the way she was taught about vocation and how to show up in the world as herself.��

I am grateful for the time and story that Jaelyn shared with me as I am exploring storytelling myself. I hope we can continue to highlight people like Jaelyn who strive to show up each day as their authentic selves in all that they do.��

The post “Learning My Calling of Storytelling” at Augsburg: Jaelyn Arndt’s Vocation Story appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

Introducing our 2022-23 Christensen Scholars!

Please check out the students’ bios below to learn more about their hopes for this world and their place in it.

Up to ten students are selected each academic year to participate in the Christensen Scholars Seminar.��This program provides a unique opportunity for students to discuss and explore theology, faith, and vocation in a small, supportive cohort. Each Christensen Scholars is also connected with a community-based learning experience designed to enhance this seminar experience. You can learn more about our Christensen Scholars program��here.

Carson Vincent ‘24

Hometown: Amery, WI

Major: Biochemistry; Minor: Religion

My hope for the world is that I want to live in a world where loving your neighbor is not only preached but practiced. I want to find a career where I feel I am making a positive difference in the lives of others on a daily basis.��

Why Augsburg: I attended Augsburg’s Youth Theology Institute as a high school student and fell in love with Augsburg as a school and as a community. I come from a small town so I wanted to attend a smaller school in a big city and Augsburg is exactly that.

One thing I love to do in my free time: Spend time with my cat.��

Chaltu Bayisa ‘23

Hometown: Saint Paul, MN

Major: Social Work; Minor: Leadership Studies

My deepest hopes for the world we live in is to see just world. The role I want to play in helping that become a reality is to work as social worker.

Why Augsburg:��I was looking for a school with Social Work, diverse, and inclusive. I applied to Augsburg University early and got admission within a few weeks. Since Augsburg was my first choice, I never finished applying to another school.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I love cooking or grab a coffee with friends

Lorpu Sumo ‘24

Hometown: New Hope, MN

Major: Communication Studies; Minor: Spanish

One of my deepest hopes is that that the world can be a kind place full of love and hope.��I want to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Big or small.

Why Augsburg: I applied to Augsburg through the Act Six scholarship. I did not get the scholarship, but I ended up coming to Augsburg. I got lot of positive feedback from people that knew Augsburg. So far, Augsburg has been a great place to be.

One thing I love to do in my free time: Listen to music

Sarah Runck ‘24

Hometown: New Ulm, MN��

Major: Music Therapy

My hope for the world is for everyone to look at the good in the world and to live in the present because it is a gift. I want to be that positive influencer who motivates people and helps them to find the good.��I hope for others to have a positive mindset as well.��

Why Augsburg: I choose Augsburg because it was one of the only schools that had what I was looking for. I love music and love helping others. I am able to do those things through the many opportunities at Augsburg.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I like to be outside and do embroidery.

Lorraine Wongbi ‘23

Hometown: Ramsey, MN

Major: Biopsychology

My hope is that the world recognize its fallen condition and need for a Savior, humbly turning itself to God through repentance and putting its faith in Christ. My hope is for godly love, compassion, restoration, and salvation. I am interested in ultimately becoming a traveling physician. My hope is to provide for people in ways beyond that of the medical and truly living a life of servitude of others through Christ.��

Why Augsburg: Augsburg was interestingly the last school on my potential attendance list, but wound up being the school with the best financial package. I love the institution’s small size and that it is close, yet far enough away from my home as I have been able to experience personal growth and independence. I actually believe the Lord led me to this place.

One thing I love to do in my free time: From time to time, I enjoy expanding on my Spanish speaking skills.

Aaron Puent ‘23

Hometown: La Crosse, WI

Major: Religion with concentration in Global Religions and Interfaith Study

I hope that the world might choose to look at the things that make people similar rather than act negatively toward the things that make us different.��I want to contribute to the theological side of this goal and help connect people of different traditions or denominations.

Why Augsburg: I wanted a smaller school, and I was looking to move away from home. I also wanted to experience a Lutheran perspective in my religion courses.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I enjoy reading in my free time.

Emma Scherrer ‘23

Hometown: Traer, Iowa

Major: Music Therapy; Minor: Psychology

My deepest hopes are that we take good better care of our planet and that people would be more genuinely kind to each other. I try my best each day to live in the moment and try not to think too hard about the harsh realities of the world. I focus on the good I can put into the world by being kind to the people around me in my life.

Why Augsburg: I wanted to go explore the world beyond my small town. I really enjoyed Minneapolis and wanted to try out life in a big city. Augsburg is one of few colleges with a good music therapy program.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I love to put on music and dance.

Mercy Zou Taithul ‘23

Hometown: Northeast, India

Major: Psychology; Minor: Health Education

One of my deepest hope for the world is better health care and love each other. I want to help make that a reality by building/giving a home to Senior and Orphans. Support them to go school and give them a proper care, it can be with medication as needed and/or share about the Gospel.��

Why Augsburg: I got a scholarship from church through partnering with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Out of 6 University that I applied, Augsburg is the first to accept my application. And according to the review, its a good, diverse community with friendly people. So, I ended choosing Augsburg.

One thing I love to do in my free time: Writing Bible with my hand, gym, walking, or cooking a chilling.

The post Christensen Scholars 2022-23 appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

With my role as the V-Portfolio Coordinator, I have been furthering the work of the V-Portfolio alongside the directors with the centers of commitment at Augsburg University; the Sabo Center, Strommen Center, Center for Global Education & Experience, and the Christensen Center for Vocation. The V-Portfolio is essentially an online E-Portfolio but with a foundation of using vocation as the grounding for students, hence the title, Vocation Portfolio.��

Within the updated V-Portfolio website students are introduced or reintroduced to the term vocation, as it is defined as, “the way you are equipped, empowered, called, and driven to make our world a better place for all living things.”��Colloquially vocation has been coined as a term that means the type of career or lifestyle one aspires to have. Vocation is something that happens in the future and begins with the individual. The V-Portfolio offers a different definition of vocation. As through the V-Portfolio, vocation is framed to focus on the present and is in response to the world, the neighbor. This is important work as our vocation is compelled to move because of the neighbor and that we get to decide how to respond using our own gifts, knowledge, and talents.

The V-Portfolio is intentional of having students that are participating in an experience hosted by one of the centers to discern their vocation. At the V-Portfolio launch this June, students participating in an internship, students that were preparing for the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute, and students that work within the centers are included in this launch. This fall the V-Portfolio will be launched for students studying abroad in Mexico. Before, during, and after each center experience a student participates in, they reflect on their vocation in relation to the four centers. Such as, they discern how their experience relates to the neighbor through meaningful work, local citizenship, global citizenship, and through their own vocation. This discernment does not happen in the future. It happens in the present and students will be using their lessons and experiences to define what they are being called to do in response to their neighbor.��

As the V-Portfolio launches and students actively participate in reflecting on their experiences, it is my hope that they understand the gift of vocation in relation to their own life and their neighbor. It’s work that requires intentionality to have it take place. I am thankful and excited to see how the V-Portfolio continues to move.��

The post Launching the V-Portfolio: Why Vocation is Important By Jon Bates appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.