Meet Sara Powell

I became involved with the Office of Spiritual Life (OSL) the second semester of my freshman year at Furman. I had previously helped lead a student group and wanted a job to make some pocket change. At the time I didn’t know that the small part time job I wanted would bring with it such a strong support system. My experience in the Chapel started with leading Canterbury Fellowship, an Episcopal student group on campus. I started studying, hanging out, and having class in the OSL which led me to wanting a job here. College was filled with ups and downs, but the OSL was my constant through my four years. Through the years I have gained amazing friendships with my coworkers and mentors with the chaplains while working here. I’ve also had amazingly supportive office managers, Miranda and Karen, which make my part-time job here even easier.

Not only has my staff community been strong, but the student groups and youth leaders have always brought kindness and helpfulness with them everyday. I feel like I have been able to meet great leaders outside of my own student group that make working with them such a delight. My experiences don’t just remain inside of the OSL, but outside as well. My sophomore year I was able to go on a MayX, Canterbury Trails, co-led by Rev. CroweTipton where our group went to London, Canterbury, and York to study pilgrimage. I was also able to bring my academics into the office by shadowing Rev. Alexis Carter Thomas for my senior capstone to study what a care-oriented career would look like. I’ve gained a lot of experience by working here like cleaning out the storage room, helping set up campus events, and serving on the Religious Council. In all, working at the OSL is such a small part of my overall Furman career it truly has remained one of the most formative experiences I had during my time here.