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This is Nick Wille’s first year as a residential advisor here in Whitewater. As an RA, Nick has to form and establish some sort of community on his floor. He figured the best way to do that would be bring everyone together with religion. He does this by hosting a group bible study every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the Wells East second floor lounge. Nick encourages everyone on the floor to go to the event with flyers and even sending out emails. He wants to get as many people there and share a sense of community with one and other.
I attended one of these events to get a feel for what Nick was trying to do with them. Eager to hear about how impactful these meetings actually are to students, I asked one of the attendees, Gavin Ostermann, why he comes to the weekly studies.
“The reason I show up every week is to get connected with my fellow peers and worshippers, I think the way Nick brings us together is really special and it’s been helpful reading these verses with someone like Nick to help me interpret them and apply them to my own life.”
Another question I asked to another bible study member was, do you think these meetings bring everyone closer?
“Of course. These meetings have introduced me to like minded people on the floor and created relationships that I’d otherwise not have without this club,” said Ethan Molzahn, a freshman on Nick’s floor.
Looking around during the actual study, I could tell by the way everyone seemed so captivated with the story Nick was reading that they truly look up to and respect him as not only their RA, but as another peer. Although he hasn’t been doing these bible studies for a long time, he held the room like he’d been doing this for years. It was clear that Nick truly enjoyed and was passionate about what he was doing. After the meeting I got to have a few words with Nick himself about what he’s doing.
“The most rewarding part is seeing how everyone grows and learns together throughout the studies. We have some really meaningful discussions and I can see how people are starting to apply what we are learning to their own lives. It’s an amazing feeling to know that I had play a part in that.”
Bible study isn’t just meant for religious folk. It can be there for anyone seeking guidance, or maybe just a friend. Nick does a great job bringing everyone together and ensuring they feel welcomed every week and he’s going to continue to do so.
Talking to a Navy Swimmer
I had the honor of speaking with my close friend Will, a new recruit in the Navy who is on his way to becoming a rescue swimmer. He was fresh out of boot camp and excited to share his experiences so far.
As we sat down, I asked Will what inspired him to become a rescue swimmer in the Navy. He leaned forward, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, and shared his story.
“Growing up I had a fascination with the beach and ocean. It’s always been a big part of my life,always drawn to the water.” Will said. “When I was in high school, I started looking into different careers that would let me work on or around the ocean. That’s when I learned about the rescue swimmer program in the Navy. The idea of saving lives and helping people in their time of need really spoke to me.”
Will went on to explain that the training process to become a rescue swimmer is intense. “The physical tests before even entering the program are demanding, and the medical evaluations are extremely thorough,” he said. “But once I was selected for the rescue swimming program, I knew I was on my way to doing something truly meaningful.”
He explained that the months of training were grueling, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Will spent countless hours perfecting his swimming and diving techniques, as well as learning about navigation, survival techniques, and medical procedures. Hearing him go in to each meticulous detail really showed his passion for what he’s doing.
“The training pushed me to my limits, but it also showed me what I was capable of,” he said. “There were times when I wanted to give up, but I knew that I couldn’t. The lives of others were depending on me, and that was motivation enough to keep going.”
As our conversation came to a close, I asked Will about his most rewarding experience as a rescue swimmer so far.
“During our training, we simulated rescue scenarios, and those experiences were incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Knowing that I had the skills and training to save someone’s life was an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to put those skills to use in a real mission.”
Will’s passion and absolute dedication to serving his country as a rescue swimmer were inspiring. I have no doubt that he will be a valuable asset to the Navy, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.