Exploring Values with the New Fellows

                This past week the New Fellows gathered in the garden room just like any other Wednesday, but after leaving this meeting we had gone from a group of well-acquainted friends to a close-knit family.  Jessica Berkey, the Director of Student Activities and the Trone Student Center, led a session revolving around values.  She had us begin by recalling a role model in our lives and by brainstorming the top two values that they display that make them our role models.  We then created a long list of all of these values before narrowing it down.  We went word by word and if anyone raised their hand to say that a word was not a must-have for a “values-based” person, then it was quickly crossed off.  We watched as words such as tolerant, passionate, selfless, and consistent were slashed through with bold lines.  It was frustrating at first to witness people who shared incredibly different values and beliefs, but it became enlightening to listen to other people’s viewpoints and learn about everyone’s different perspectives.  After much lively discussion, we narrowed down our list to a minimum standard of values; we agreed that a values-based person must be dependable, honest, accountable, trustworthy, open-minded, and genuine.

                Upon the conclusion of this first activity, we then were challenged to analyze our own set of values and beliefs.  Jessica Berkey read off diverse ethical dilemmas, and we had to determine the degree to which we agreed or disagreed with the morality and logic of the scenarios.  Some people tended to be driven by a stricter sense of right and wrong while other people focused more on the personal gains that could arise from potentially risky situations.  At this point in the session most of us were still questioning why Lexie Harvey had raved about this being her favorite session, but we were all about to find out as we progressed to the third activity. 

                Participating in the Cross the Line activity was an eye-opening experience to say the least.  Many of us bared our vulnerable sides as we opened up about how we identify ourselves and about experiences that have molded us into the individuals we are today.  By putting down the walls we had built we were able to build bridges between each other.  Realizing that we are not alone in our struggles and that everyone has a unique story was emotionally draining for many New Fellows.  As we stood arm in arm at the end of the Values session and looked into each other’s eyes, it was apparent that we had formed deeper and more interpersonal connections that will carry us through the rest of our time as a Shucker family. 

 - Laurin Bixby, Shucker New Fellow