Hollie Koenigsberg M.A. '15
Hollie Koenigsberg M.A. '15 shares her experience at Wheaton and how it prepared her for her calling.
Why did you choose Wheaton?
The greatest reason I chose Wheaton was its reputation for being a Christ-centered school that pursues academic excellence. Wheaton is known in academic circles as an institution with the highest standards, and I wanted to be challenged in the pursuit of my degree, not just handed a diploma. The OAL program was the icing on the cake for me. I was going to receive a world-class, academically rigorous education. In addition, I got to do it in the Northwoods at a camp doing the things I already loved like backpacking, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor pursuits. The greatest factor that sold me on the program was its emphasis on the "L" in OAL - I wanted to delve more deeply into understanding the fundamentals of leadership. I hoped to learn from others who had not just theorized about what it meant to lead but who had lived it daily, sometimes tried and failed, but got back up to carry on.
What skills have you learned from your program?
There were many necessary, "hard" skills that I learned at Honey Rock such as cross country skiing, rock climbing, and Wilderness First Aid, but I think the most useful skills I learned during my time at Wheaton were soft skills - including leadership, small group facilitation, and cultivating disciples. These skills apply directly to everything I do in my current job, and I use them every single day.
How has your program challenged you and prepared you for your vocation?
Working at a summer camp, I can easily get caught up in the mindset that my spiritual leadership of the college-aged counseling staff ends along with our last week of the regular season. Sometimes I can fall into the notion that during my "off-season" I should get a break from all of that, but as time marches on, I have learned that many of my biggest challenges will arise outside of my typical Summer term. I have come to understand that my mission field, my calling in life is to my college-aged counseling staff. My relationships with them do not end that last week of camp but continue throughout the year. God has continued to use me to challenge them toward a more intimate relationship with Christ, and through meeting those challenges He has continued to refine me as well.
Over time, I understood how pivotal the communal aspect of life at Honey Rock potentially could be for me - how important community is for ALL believers. I had experienced communal life before in the military but never in an overtly Christian manner. As I grew in my own walk with the Lord, more and more I wanted to know what life together really could be like, and I found it at Honey Rock.
What advice can you give for students who are considering the M.A. Christian Formation and Ministry: Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Program?
If you want a challenging, life-giving, and eternally profound experience, come to Wheaton College Graduate School. Even if you don't follow the Outdoor Adventure and Leadership program, take some time to go to Honey Rock. You don't have to be there for 2 years like me. Even one Summer will impact you in the most remarkable ways. You have absolutely nothing to lose and only a closer union with our Savior to gain.
If you haven't had a chance to visit Wheaton, I invite you to schedule your accepted student visit to meet your faculty, connect with students in your program, and learn more about the campus resources.
