A Place of Encouragement — NorthStar Navigator

By Ian K.

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NSA has a numerous number of events always going on. You’ve probably seen them being advertised at a passing glance as you login to Buzz every morning. A large amount of the student body participates in such events. But if you find yourself sitting around looking for a reason to check them out, then you are in the right place. As an appropriate disclaimer, I am not one to attend many of NSA’s events. In reality, I’m probably just like most of you: too preoccupied with keeping up with my own schedule to find time for these events. You are not alone in that. However, there is much more below the surface of those notifications for upcoming events that we glance over. If, like me, you find yourself not even giving a thought to attending, here is just what we are missing out on.

I recently attended one of NSA’s events, the Spiritual Emphasis Event (otherwise known as SEE). Well into my fourth year at NSA, I had not attended any event headed by NSA with the intention of it being completely outside of school activities, so I was unsure of what to expect from the upcoming days. In brief, this fall SEE was a five-day overview on the topic of the unchanging nature of God. Filled with over one hundred students from across the grade spectrum, I was able to engage and interact with others as I found myself being filled by the teachings.

I have only the utmost positivity to share about what I gained in appreciation for the school and their efforts to make these opportunities possible for students around the world. I found satisfaction in discovering that NSA has such a tight-knit body of students with inside jokes and the like, all the while engaging in learning more about the nature of our Creator. What NSA lacks in physical distance, it makes up for in the authentic and personal connection that its students form with one another. Furthermore, these events presented me with the unique opportunity to get to know the people behind the names and profile pictures that populate the discussion boards. Never before had I thought I would enjoy an interactive and personal event like I did the SEE.

As thoroughly implied thus far, the relational and personal environment of SEE shocked me. However, what is there to be said for the spiritual growth that took place? After all, the event is intended to be a Spiritual Emphasis Event and not as much a virtual playdate. I witnessed countless students voice their thoughts about God’s presence in their own lives, feeling comfortable to speak these reflections aloud for all to glean from. It was moving to listen to the spiritual lives of my peers as we all poured out our ideas in small group rooms. I found myself walking away from each SEE session feeling encouraged with what was shared by both the speakers and in branched off discussions with other students.

I’m not someone who regularly attends NSA events outside of obligation, so I didn’t know what to expect of the SEE experience. However, I was pleasantly surprised, and not by the organization of it all, but by the speakers, the wisdom they shared, and the students who were attending. NSA has an event for everyone and every interest, so give it a shot and look into one yourself! Take my word for it! It’ll be well worth your time.

Columns: 🎉NSA Events ✝️Spiritual Life 🗣️Advice

Ian K. lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, but previously lived overseas as a missionary in Kenya and Uganda for eight years. He has attended NSA for four years and is currently in his senior year of high school. Ian has a passion for aviation and ministry, having grown up with this environment most of his life. He desires to pursue missionary aviation overseas, using the newspaper as a training field in preparation for reaching people during his future ministry.