In the Zone

Conversations with alumni are always fun. But I had two (with alums who graduated 10 years apart) this week that were especially great.

The first was with Kerriel Bailey ’08. Kerriel recently taught legal writing at our sister school, Handong International Law school in Pohang, Korea. Though still recovering from jetlag, Kerriel’s voice was brimming with joy as she spoke of her time teaching students and working with them one-on-one. As we talked, it was clear that God used Kerriel’s time in Korea to reaffirm that he has made Kerriel, in whatever employment setting she finds herself, to mentor and encourage others. That is what Kerriel is passionate about. And it is one of the things that she does very, very well. It is her calling (or at least one of them). (For more on Kerriel, check out her Handong blog at: http://kerrielbailey.blogspot.com/)

The second conversation was with Todd Wilkowski ’98. Todd is general counsel for a large construction company in Cincinnati. He described his job and the joy and satisfaction he found providing not only legal advice, but principled leadership in a growing, thriving company. Todd told me that he felt energized going to work—that he feels like he is “in the zone.” He is doing what God made him to do. He is good at it. He loves it. And he is effectively serving others. He is living out his calling.

What a great job I have. I get to spend time with men and women who are filled with energy and purpose. I get to teach them and work with them as student leaders. And then I get to follow their progress as alums as they fulfill the purpose and calling that first brought them to us. That is a pretty great deal. Thank you, God!