By Kathryn Trice, Executive Director
The Charlotte Fellows class of 2025-2026 came to a close just a few weeks ago. As is often said, the days are long, but the years are short. In some ways, it feels like these fellows just moved here. In other ways, they are such different people now than when they arrived - and I am too.
It really is one of the biggest gifts to walk alongside these young 20-somethings, to watch them grow, and to be invited into their lives. Something that helps bring my heart closure (as well as gives some sense of the impact of the program) is to read through the reflection papers that the Fellows wrote at the end of the year. They were charged with reflecting on the past 9 months to see what God has done in their lives spiritually, emotionally, and vocationally. This paper is to be an “Ebeneezer” for the fellows to remember God's faithfulness. Below are a few snippets from their reflections.
One of the greatest sources of growth this year came from the people around me. Being surrounded by a community that lovingly calls me higher changed me deeply. Some of my deepest insecurities and weaknesses have surfaced this year and I have felt vulnerable and uncomfortable. Yet in the middle of that discomfort, God gave me something I did not realize I needed so desperately: people who saw both my dignity and depravity and still chose to love me fiercely.
As a growing man, I did not realize the amount of emotions that I had tucked down inside my heart. I decided to pursue counseling that was offered through the Fellows, and I think this was one of the best decisions of the year. Through counseling, I have been able to unpack a lot of my story, better understand preconceived beliefs, and current emotions to then put into words and themes.
I have learned that God cares about vocation broadly, not only vocational ministry. Ultimately, I have more language for my gifts, what motivates me, and I can live out of freedom to pursue things I enjoy doing for the Lord!
God is not bound by our limited conceptions of His goodness…I have come to recognize that none of us fully knows God to the depth or capacity we often assume we do, which is a merciful gift. No one will ever have all the answers, despite what it may seem.
God has been so faithful to me that, in the midst of my frustrations over feeling like I’ve been in an artistic rut and lacking creativity this past year, He’s been working behind the scenes and in plain sight to bring me opportunities, skills and encouragement in my professional path. **Shoutout to Amellia Hausmann for being selected as one of the artists in this year’s cohort for ArtPop. Her work is being displayed on multiple billboards in the region!
The deep impact for me is how people have come alongside me to remind me of my capacity to believe what is difficult, to share honestly even when it’s uncomfortable, to be safe in failure, and to bring disappointment into the light, all while growing in love for one another.
I hope you can grasp some of the richness of this year. The trajectory of these young adults has been forever changed. And none of this would be possible if it weren’t for our village of supporters and volunteers! Thank YOU for coming alongside this ministry. I am so grateful and I know Connor, Tessa, Nicholas, Amellia and Adelaide are too.