Monday, November 28, 2011

Springdale Intern Spotlight: Rachel Oliver


The Ozone Intern program is purposed to develop college-age leaders who have a passion to positively impact the youth culture of Northwest Arkansas by providing them with opportunities to coordinate local peer volunteers and connect with Camp War Eagle campers. Former Camp War Eagle camper Rachel Oliver has joined with Springdale Ozone as an intern this year. 

"My name is Rachel Oliver. I am from Springdale, Arkansas. I attended Williams Baptist College and currently attend NWACC.  I plan to earn my degree in early childhood education. I enjoy reading, hiking, hanging out with friends, and science fiction movies!"

What originally attracted you to interning for CWE365/Ozone?
I was extremely into Ozone in high school. I grew so much as a Christian at that time and it was extremely good for me to be around strong Christian influences. When I was told about the internship, I knew it was something I would like to do because I love getting to know people and encouraging spiritual growth.

What's been your favorite part of the internship so far?
Fellowship with the campers and my fellow servants has been such a blessing and encouragement to me. Through this internship God has been challenging me in many areas of my life and I believe I am learning to lean on him a little more every day.

What's been your favorite camp or ozone memory?
Bonding with my Lisa West [former Springdale Ozone Director] was one of my favorite camp memories. I was timid when I first attended camp and she encouraged me to come out of my shell and get to know people and allow them to get to know me. She made a huge difference in my life by just sitting down and talking to me, generally interested in what I had to say. She made me feel really special.   

What do you hope to take away/learn from your time as an intern?
I hope to learn how to balance everything in my life. Since becoming an intern my life has been crazy.  Going to school full time, holding a job, and doing the internship is sometimes overwhelming. I’ve had to really depend on God’s strength this semester instead of my own because there is no way I wouldn’t have gone insane without giving  my worries and fears to God. 

Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day would begin with getting plenty of sleep the night before so that I am well rested. I would wake up in the morning and have biscuits and gravy (my favorite breakfast food!) and go for a walk with my dog, Sally. I think I would spend the rest of the day riding roller coasters. I love the adrenaline rush I get when I do something I am afraid of! Then I would head home and watch some TV and go to sleep early. It doesn’t take a lot to make me happy. : )

There's a ton happening with Springdale Ozone, as well as Ozone in all other cities. To learn more or to get involved, visit our website at www.cwe365.org.

No comments: