Gail Benchener’s Blog

I brought in a bag of unpopped popcorn and asked my communication class to enjoy it. One student said, "But it's not ready -- it's not popped." That student was exactly right. It takes some planning, just the right timing with some heat -- and then you have it -- a product all can enjoy. It is like that with our testimonies. Do we have the willingness to put our potential story through a process so it can be effective and benefit those who listen?

Students in my communications class shared their prepared testimonies in class. We learned how one prayed in a janitor's closet for the Lord to come into his life and another lived a life of street crime until the depravity of it all became too much for him to bear. Others shared how they grew up in a Christian home, but also grew complacent until they realized their faith had to be their own, not something they could "inherit." Students talked about how God ministered to them in illness, in broken families, and with dynamic youth leaders who helped them hear the truth of God's word. Everyone had a story to tell, and sharing it with preparation and purpose enriched our lives.

Posted by Gail Benchener at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The excellent work and reputation of two PBU students in the School of Business and Leadership results in an unexpected referral and job placement in a totally different industry for another. Here’s the story as an encouragement to all of you who work hard and represent the university so well in the workplace:

Seniors Julie Schultz (as an intern) and Alex Arseneau (as an employee) worked in Warrington this summer for Will Thomson’s State Farm Agency. They were referred from a contact at last year’s PBU Career Fair, a district manager who oversees several State Farm agencies and exhibited. When I visited Julie this summer at her internship, Will raved about her work and commented many times on the work ethic, integrity, positive attitude, professionalism and “good values” of both students. He commented to me that he was so impressed with these students and their willingness to serve customers and his agency that he was also going to refer PBU and our program to his wife who worked for the Philadelphia Flyers (hockey team) charitable wives and players’ foundation.

Last week I received information via Julie from Will’s wife with job descriptions about two internship possibilities at this charitable foundation and she encouraged PBU students to apply, although they are not easy internships to get. I told student Jessica Ogden about the internships because she wants to build her network in a sports-related career. She finished her 499 internship this summer with the Yankees but was excited to know another opportunity was available. She interviewed with Human Resources at the Flyers and then the director of the foundation and they offered her one of the positions. When she shared her challenges with her full academic schedule, they indicated they liked her so much they would be flexible. She will be working at all the home games and promoting their community service foundation.

So the work and reputation of two students at one job leads to a referral to another job in a different industry with different employers. By the way, Julie and Alex have been offered an opportunity for a full-time job after graduation with State Farm .

Posted by Gail Benchener at 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)