Creating Community by Leading

Reported By: Ellaynah Brown

Photographed By: Kelly North

By sponsoring events like dances to trivia nights, the George Fox University (GFU) Student Activities team works to grow the campus community by providing fun and safe ways for students to gather. Some of GFU’s most beloved traditions like the 80s Dance and Polar Plunge are all thanks to this student and faculty team. Senior Esmaya Hendrickson has been a part of Student Activities since her sophomore year, starting out as an event staff member and working up to her current position as event lead.

Joining the team in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hendrickson and the Student Activities team had to discover new ways to gather together. She describes the times when they put on a traveling version of the 80s Dance in 2020 and an outdoor version which took place in the parking lot of Klages in 2021, until it could finally be held in EHS once again.

Her favorite part of being on the team has been having the opportunity to create fun and safe environments for students to develop community. “Building relationships with people has made me who I am,” said Hendrickson. “I do what I do to create a space where students can find their people.”

Not only has she made an impact through her position, but she has also learned many skills that have helped prepare her for life after college. “During this job, I have collaborated with so many different people and I have learned by watching how they interact with people,” she said. 

She has appreciated the opportunity to grow in her communication skills and professional interactions as well as in other necessary skills like leading meetings, and even lobbying for a golf cart specifically for the Student Activities team.

As a student herself, Hendrickson has had to learn how to maintain the balance of academics and work in her life. She has often had to remind herself that “work is not your whole life.” No matter the expectations you place on yourself, it is important to have balance. Learning how to create a work-life balance is imperative and Hendrickson advises others to “make sure that we put ourselves above our work because we are too important to burn out now.”

Hendrickson has played a very important role at GFU over the last few years in bringing students together in community through fun-filled activities and events. “I want to thank my team, my friends, and the faculty members that have helped me grow through these last few years,” she said. 

As thankful as she is for those who have helped her grow, students undoubtedly return her gratitude for her part in bringing fun and community to campus.