For the third year, Milligan University’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Apostolos clubs hosted a coaches’ My 2 Words event on Monday. It was FCA President Julia Codispoti’s idea to create an event that offers students a way to connect with the staff on a religious level, as well as benefiting from the wisdom that can be gained by testimonies of people older than the students.
Codispoti discussed some challenges that had to be overcome in order to make the event happen. “The biggest challenges were getting speakers and getting an audience. Everyone has added stress and jobs due to this semester being abnormal, especially the staff,” said Codispoti.
Originally Skylar Barnett was scheduled to speak last spring, but COVID-19 required the event to be rescheduled. Nevertheless, Barnett was able to speak Monday following Jason Onks, the director of campus activities and head triathlon coach. According to Codispoti, “ It was actually great that Skylar and Jason were paired together since they actually grew up together!”
The event was centered around the sharing of testimonies and the power of God’s calling in the two men’s lives.
“It was somewhat emotional but good. I don’t mind being vulnerable in front of people. My 2 Words is a very authentic experience and I felt blessed to share my experiences and to get to do it along with Coach Barnett,” said Onks.
Onks further emphasized the impact of the event, saying, “Learning to share about one’s own growth is an important element within a community. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but what you have learned, felt, and grown from, could be what someone else is just beginning to struggle with. Hearing about the struggles a person has experienced, gives them wisdom they can share.”
Multiple students said they enjoyed the experience when asked. Some also mentioned that they look forward to the My 2 Words events and that they were excited to have ways to overcome the challenges presented with gathering in large numbers. FCA and Apostolos consider the event a success. They are additionally excited to share the recorded version of the event soon, look for an email containing instructions and information about upcoming events.