Hi, I’m Trey, I’m one of the JSC fellows of the ’23-’24 year. This month was a great one for the JSC fellows; this was a month filled with reflection, introspection, and fun. The month was packed from start to finish with the Reality Ministries talent show, the Avila Retreat, the fundraiser dinner, and many other things. What felt the most impactful to me over this month was the fundraiser dinner and the Avila Retreat.
The fundraiser dinner was so cool to attend with the release of Susan Gravely’s book, Italy on a Plate. Getting to hear her story and learn what brought her to travel and learn about the dishes was fantastic. Her cultural experience from her travels was really insightful and humbling; she is a remarkable woman. While at the event, we also got to talk about the past months in the program, including our work in our non-profits. Talking about ourselves and what all we’ve been through was a really vulnerable moment for all of us, but I’m happy we did it. I feel like it made us grow closer with both the audience as well as ourselves as a group.
The Avila Retreat was meant to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation and bonding with our mentors. The event entailed our mentors leading us through spiritual practices while at a retreat center with a scenery to die for. While up there I felt at peace, mentally and spiritually, while working with our mentors. The best practice we did in my opinion was learning about tiny habits, to make bigger, impactful changes in one’s life. Some of us had time to have a one-on-one session with Julia to discuss future goals and prospects after the program. It felt good to discuss and air out my plans for the future, and to know that they care to support me and all of us in accomplishing our goals.
All in all, the month of November was quite eventful and each event was much-needed and fun. The relationship between me and the others in the house has been growing, and because of what we did, I feel like it deepened with these bonding experiences.