Interning, Belonging, & Learning

Hello everyone! My name is Hannah Paulson. I am a first-year student from North Carolina studying communications and political science. Throughout both the fall and spring semesters, I have had the honor of serving as the Spirituality and Sexuality Intern for the Office of Spiritual Life.

Through my internship, I had the opportunity to table at Sextacular and create a community art piece based on the question, “What helps you feel loved?” This event was an incredible experience, as it allowed me to engage with a diverse group of students and faculty members in meaningful conversations about self-love and community care. Witnessing people reflect on and share what makes them feel valued was truly inspiring. The conversations I had during this event reinforced the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the different ways people experience love, whether through words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, or physical touch.

I also had the privilege of organizing multiple events for World Interfaith Harmony Week. From the beginning, I envisioned a space for both intimate, dialogue-based discussions and a larger speaker-centered event. One of my main goals was to bridge the gap between different faith groups on campus and create inclusive spaces for conversation among Furman students, regardless of their religious or non-religious backgrounds.

As part of this effort, I helped bring award-winning author Kaitlin Curtice to campus for a Cultural Life Program event. Her book, Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God, deeply resonated with me, and I knew her perspective would offer valuable insights to our community. The event was well attended, and I was overjoyed to see rich conversations unfold about supporting our Indigenous peers and considering those whose voices are not always in the room. This experience challenged me to reflect on my own privilege and how I can use my platform to uplift others who may not have the same embodied power. It also emphasized the importance of recognizing historical and cultural narratives that shape different communities’ experiences.

One of my favorite moments of the week was a Dins Dialogue session exploring the intersections of faith and politics. Our group engaged in thoughtful discussions about how different faith traditions shape political perspectives, and how those perspectives compare to those within our own communities. Personally, I have found that my own faith beliefs often differ from those of my extended family and friends. This has been a journey of growth for me, and through my internship and these dialogue sessions, I have come to understand that building relationships with those who challenge us is essential. These conversations have reinforced the importance of fostering connections based on mutual respect and support.

Additionally, this experience helped me realize the significance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Many students shared how difficult it can be to discuss faith and politics in their own families or communities. Providing a welcoming environment where individuals felt heard and respected was incredibly rewarding.

Reflecting on my experiences, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had through this internship. From organizing World Interfaith Harmony Week to participating in Sextacular, each moment has been meaningful and rewarding. I have grown not only in my understanding of spirituality and sexuality but also in my ability to foster inclusive, compassionate conversations. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Furman community in the semesters ahead, fostering dialogue, understanding, and connection among students of all backgrounds. I am eager to take the lessons I have learned and apply them in new ways, ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and valued in their journeys.