Why You Should Apply to be a Student Leader

Written by LCM Student Leader, Mara Bowman

As graduation quickly approaches—75 days, not that I’m counting—it’s a natural time of reflection for seniors approaching the end of their undergrad. Young adults experience a lot of shifting in their lives with each semester and season, but senior year of college marks a new milestone. I enjoy these moments, because I find myself in a weird mix of nostalgia, celebration, and reflection.

Sometimes when I’m standing in the sanctuary on Wednesday nights, it seems like just yesterday that I walked in the doors of Grace for the first time. Throughout my freshman year, that at times felt isolating and lonely, LCM was a reminder of my belovedness, so when I had the opportunity to become a leader, I couldn’t imagine a better way to deepen my faith and dive more deeply into the community.

Becoming a leader gave me a new understanding of what the body of Christ looks like. Each part is essential to the prosperity and functioning of the whole; whether it’s cleaning up after worship, playing music, facilitating a small group, or handing out bagels to passing students. All of these roles carry meaning because they actively contribute to the work of LCM. As someone whose spiritual wellbeing is supported by this community, I began to see new ways in which to engage in curiosity, hospitality, and help to create belonging for others. What is most interesting about my experience is how it contrasts with the way I approach leadership roles in other areas of my campus life.

I think the same goes for many college students, for whom leadership roles in student orgs are key resume builders. Behind a lot of college student’s (though, not all) involvement in extracurriculars is a motive:

“If I serve as the president of this club, that’ll look great on my resume.”
“I should join this student group to network, otherwise I’ll be behind.”

While these reasons are valid and necessary to network, and build resumes and skills for the future, my time as a leader with LCM is quite the opposite. I never found myself thinking that this was another shiny thing to add to a resume. I never found myself thinking about this role being transactional. When I thought about becoming a leader for LCM, I did so because I recognized and experienced the transformative power of this campus ministry, and wanted other students to know the same sense of belonging and connection. After I experienced being a leader, I continued doing so because of how it challenged and uplifted me. I finally began to see myself as an active member of the church, because LCM and Pastor Kate provided the opportunities and development I needed.

As you envision your life in the next school year, the classes, jobs, and student groups, I strongly encourage you to apply to be a leader. Serving as a leader within LCM has been three years of personal growth, deep connection, and fulfillment that I wouldn’t change for anything.