Pursuing Calling through ScotsWork: From Prank Cleanup to Editing Papers

As someone who came to college with no prior work experience, I was eager to start exploring the different jobs open to me as a student. As I was applying for colleges my senior year of high school, I ended up visiting Covenant and learning about their work-study program, known as ScotsWork. I learned about the wide variety of Covenant’s paid positions on campus, and was very intrigued by the opportunity to gain work experience while earning money toward my tuition. While work-study programs exist at many schools, I really appreciated Covenant’s commitment to student workers as employees, allowing them to gain real job opportunities and career-specific skills. I came to Covenant eager to make the most out of my college experience. 

Facilities Services 

During my freshmen year, I worked for facilities services, the quintessential Covenant freshmen job. Although many may grumble at the thought of manual labor and janitorial work, I actually really enjoyed my time in facilities. Working in Carter Hall, I found that one day was rarely the same as the last. Although there was a never-ending stream of cleaning tasks, there was a surprising amount of variety to the work, including setting up for different events and cleaning up ingenious pranks that occurred on the men’s halls. At this job, I learned to appreciate a sense of humility in doing the “dirty work,” and even started to find sanctity in the tasks of scrubbing toilets and mopping stairwells. In many ways, my job in facilities was my introduction to Covenant, as it introduced me to the loving, hardworking people who are dedicated to keeping our campus running. 

Kresge Memorial Library 

During my sophomore year at Covenant, I decided to work as a library circulation assistant in the Kresge Memorial Library. As an English major, I was interested in the field of library science, and of course, just wanted to be around books. Working in the library allowed me to gain specific skills relating to book circulation, including the ins and outs of the Library of Congress Classification system. Most of my time was spent sitting at the front desk, answering questions and helping students check out books, as well as wandering through the shelves, making sure every book was in its correct alphanumeric place. Working in the library, the main academic and social hub on campus, made me appreciate the beauty of Covenant’s community, as students come together to engage in reading, research, and lots of conversation. 

The Writing Center

With two years of job experience behind me, my junior year at Covenant continued to push me deeper into my career interests and passions. I ended up getting a job in the library’s Writing Center as a writing tutor. My time at Covenant encouraged me to engage in a variety of fields of study, pulling me toward a specific vocational calling. While I am not completely sure where the Lord will take me in terms of a career path, I discovered my love for writing, editing, and teaching through my time in the English department. As a writing tutor, I am passionate about engaging in conversations with students and helping them find their voice in writing. Working at this job, I have had the immense honor of assisting my peers as they learn to think critically, write faithfully, and tell their own stories. 

Covenant College’s ScotsWork program has not only provided me with reliable work throughout my time at college, but has also given me the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and develop a greater awareness of God’s plan for my life.