Stories from Former Fellows

"The unique thing about being a Summer Fellow and hosting Summer XA each week was that I learned how to uplift the entire fellowship by honoring the gifts, wisdom, and talents of others. Plus, I learned some practical things, like how to facilitate and organize events, and how to fail at using Zoom breakout rooms. I loved it!"

-Adam O’Neill, Summer Fellow 2020

"Summer fellows was an awesome opportunity to serve Chi Alpha at a deeper level. Throughout the summer, we worked on various projects together, read together, led Bible studies together, and ultimately learned what it looks like to grow within and serve alongside such a deeply rooted community. One of my favorite projects was leading summer Chi Alpha for my class - this was a special chance to pour back into the community that has loved our fellowship so well over the years. As fourth-years, many of us have stepped into leadership of some sorts within our core groups, so it’s been difficult to be as intentional with our class as we were during first year. However, facilitating Summer XA provided a place to reconnect with our class and launch into our final year of undergrad together closer than ever. Can’t recommend Summer Fellows enough: prepare to watch the Lord move mountains, step out of your comfort zone, meet some new friends, and dive deep into the behind-the-scenes work that helps our fellowship operate!"

- Jo Klansek, Summer Fellow 2020

"The Summer Fellows Program was the highlight of my summer. Some of my favorite things were reaching out to incoming first years, leading a weekly Bible study for my class, and taking over Chi Alpha’s Instagram. Welcoming in first years allowed my heart to grow more for helping individuals get plugged into Christian community and led to new friendships with students that would be joining the fellowship. Leading Summer Chi Alpha for the class of 2021 with Jo, Ian, and Andrew was so fun and I was able to gain so much knowledge and wisdom from the 3 of them, while reconnecting with my friends and meeting new people in my class. Taking over Chi Alpha’s Instagram was so rewarding as it allowed me to get a glimpse of the “behind-the-scenes” that staff does on a daily basis to help the Chi Alpha community flourish."

- Jordyn Hamlett, Summer Fellow 2020

"I loved my experience with Summer Fellows! It was a wonderful way to not just serve and give back to a community that has grown me so much, but also receive enriching interactions with staff. I also loved the community I had with the other summer fellows, both those I know but especially those I didn’t, as often that is tough to find over summers! So I would highly recommend making the most of this opportunity to grow both relationally and spiritually!"

- Barnes Moreau, Summer Fellow 2020