Gail Benchener’s Blog

I am just completing faculty advising for mostly freshmen business majors. When asked if they have thought about a goal for their future with their major, some are definite: lead a nonprofit, assist with church administration, found a missions agency, establish a new business, join a corporation, or manage a sports franchise. Some look bemused and just shrug. Some are frank and explain, "My parents thought it would be a good idea to have a 'practical' degree so I could get a job and pay back my college debt, so here I am!" I encourage them not to miss the journey on the way to the destination. Pause. Develop relationships. Take stock of gifts. Seek mentoring. Minister beyond the college requirement. Appreciate this 4 (or 5!) year window to think and reflect. Its not all about skills sets and core competencies and marketability. Is it more about being a daily commuter with God and not missing the mile markers that He sets out for each of us.

Posted by Gail Benchener at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When students present their ideas with commitment and caring, I give them high marks for their “PQ� or “passion quotient.� We just finished informative speeches in Communications 101. Gwen had us imagine walking through a house with no windows or doors in Morocco, ministering to the poor. Natalie illustrated her talk with photos of children holding semi-automatic weapons, barely old enough to balance the gun in their hands as she informed us about child warriors in third world countries. Gary used his whole body on stage to bring home the problem of violence in the NBA. Dani brought us the joy of mountaineering through vivid word pictures and showing examples of her equipment. Elayna explained her experience as a store manager interviewing candidates for jobs with a humorous example of someone asking about a job like they would order a cheeseburger. Seth, preparing for youth ministry, helped us experience a true definition of worship. The student audience was receptive, supportive, and grateful that their fellow students took great care in the preparation of their speeches. Using Heath’s concepts of SUCCESs (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Story), students mastered the art of capturing the audience’s attention and sustaining their interest. I was hooked on every speech.

Posted by Gail Benchener at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fall Break was a time to slow the pace. Students had time to reconnect
with family and friends and I took some time to refine my course content
for the rest of the semester. Over the weekend as I worked outside, the
signs of fall were everywhere: trees fiery red and brilliant gold,
squirrels hunting frantically for acorns and robbing my bird feeder, and
ground hogs inhabiting my property, scurrying to find a place to burrow in
for the winter. Now back in my windowless office I also see signs of fall:
pictures of the SIFE team in action, completed internship binders from
graduating seniors, papers to grade, and resumes to review. There are tokens from
students of our work together-- a sand painting from Burma, an origami
thank you note, my "cell phone chair," and a special pen--reminding me that we are fully
engaged mid-semester, and all is as it should be.

Posted by Gail Benchener at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recycling is officially launched at PBU! Rachel and Tom worked tirelessly the last several weeks, attending meetings, coordinating student groups on campus, and developing a positive relationship with Campus Services to assist the recycling effort at PBU. It is gratifying to witness students accomplish their objectives after so much work. Yesterday, a group gathered to distribute the new containers on campus bearing Jeff's fine labeling work on each receptacle indicating plastic, aluminum and glass now have a home other than the trash can. Professionalism, patience and teamwork were rewarded. New "Good Stewards" reusable shopping bags have been spotted on campus, distributed by SIFE last weekend at Crimson Celebration to those who completed an environmental education scavenger hunt. What a massive effort requiring planning and preparation to initiate the traditional SIFE car bash by Dave and Matt and the environmental sustainabiltiy effort organized by Rachel and Tom at Crimson Celebration. I noticed "Mrs. B" was on the front bumper of the car to bash and a student said they saw me swinging a mallet on Facebook that night! Black shirts with our team logo were everywhere Saturday worn by many of our now 65-strong SIFE volunteer team. I cannot imagine advising a better team as a faculty member!

Posted by Gail Benchener at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)