Friday, November 2nd, marked the semiannual SXU Awakening Retreat for the Fall term for students.
Students on their second or above year congregated for a weekend of hospitality and bonding.
While much is not public information in regards to the occurrences of Awakening (all participants are told to keep everything a secret in order to protect the sanctity of the event), the general consensus was that the event was much needed, and came for them when they needed it.
Even those facilitating the event were able to gain something out of the weekend.
René Haskins, a Leader of the Retreat, said, “Honestly, it was such an experience being able to share a story that I don’t normally share, and watch other people react, and see [retreatants] get the courage to open up themselves.
“That’s what made the whole thing worth it.”
When asked to comment on how she believes students can absorb the most that they get can out of the Awakenings Retreat, Haskins replied, “I think by trusting the process, and I know we say that a lot, but it’s true.
“Leaving things at the door and honestly giving yourself to the experience, and being willing and open to being vulnerable with people, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
Testimonies from the people who were able to enjoy the 48 hour retreat seemed to have an overwhelming consensus; this year was a success.
Ellie Menke is a Graduate Assistant Minister whose role was to coordinate the Awakenings retreat.
When inquired about the successfulness of the Fall 2018 Awakenings compared to previous retreats, Menke effused, “I think that it was really successful.
“We had a good group: students, a combination of people who knew each other, who didn’t know each other.
“We had people from all different walks of leadership, no-leadership experiences. We had a great group of leaders.
“I think in the Fall, there kind of comes that excitement that it’s been a while since the last one, so there’s a lot of high energy from the leadership team and a lot of curiosity from the participant team.”
Menke had her own take on how to get the most out the the Awakenings experience.
“I think just being open to receiving different forms of affirmation and love and just open your eyes to the experience.
“There are many different offerings. Campus Ministry is so much more than what Ministry in a traditional sense is. Also, realizing that in community and with people comes love, and working to realize the different experiences of love. Just being open. Coming in with no expectations and dreams of what you think it will be often results in the most gratifying experiences, because you never know what’s coming. There’s really nothing it can live up to because everything is like a dream come true.”
Menke’s accomplishments are not only shown in her ability to orchestrate an event at such a large scale.
She’s also had a large hand in Ministry ever since her personal experience at Awakenings.
“When I was an undergraduate here, I participated in a lot of different Campus Ministry events. I went on retreats for first years, I dabbled in service a little. I went on Awakenings, and just took part in all the different experiences that Campus Ministry had to provide.
“I felt so gratified, supported and connected in those experiences that taking on a position as a Graduate Assistant just felt like the next natural step for me. “Exposing myself to our traditions and our heritage and findings ways to endorse those within our curriculum for retreats and service trips really was perfect for me.”
Retreatant Matthew Foley even had words of wisdom to offer, from what little he could share.
Foley bubbled when asked about his experiences of Awakenings versus his preconceived ideas, “It was so much more. I needed it really bad, and I honestly didn’t realize it.
“They always say that it comes at a time when you need it the most, and I didn’t think it was true. It was refreshing. I got a lot of peace and good from it.”
Foley also had a very direct answer when asked on how to get as much out of the experience as possible.
“For me, try to share as much as you can.”
Awakening Retreats occur once a semester and are open to students on or past their second academic year.
Admissions is $45 and spot reservations are available to guarantee a spot.
Financial Aid is available as well. All faiths are welcome and the only prerequisite is to walk in with an open mind.
For further details, Ellie Menke can be contacted at menke@sxu.edu, or at her office in the Student Organization Center in Room L109B.
Eric Perez
News Reporter
About Post Author
