08 Oct Kairos High School Impact | Learning from Your Mistakes

Lydia Fastzkie is a senior at Traveler’s Rest High School. This past summer she interned at Grace Church through the Kairos High School summer program. Lydia learned a lot about herself, the importance of trusting the Lord, and gained a broader perspective on working in ministry. Hear Lydia’s story in her own words!

What ministry area did you serve in and what were some of the projects you helped with during the summer? 

I served in student ministry this summer. I helped plan events and run programs. I was also able to help on the Greenville mission trip. One of my favorite projects I was a part of was the 20Forgeseven Waterslide Extravaganza. At first it was super stressful but then once we (High School Kairos) hopped in full force to the project we had a blast. Although there were some stressful parts, we ultimately became closer because of working through the obstacles together. In the end, the event was a huge success!

In what ways did you grow over the course of your internship experience {whether spiritually, personally, or professionally}? 

I learned so much during this internship I think I learned something in every aspect of my life whether it be spiritually, personally, or professionally. Spiritually and personally I learned to trust the Lord in more ways. The whole summer, God was trying to knock that into my head. He kept on showing me that things always work out as long as you are working for His glory and you are doing what He desires. This summer I was so worried I would disappoint the staff at the church (which was a pride thing for me) but every time I messed up they used it as a learning experience and made me feel like it was okay to mess up, it’s what you take away from your mistakes and how you learn.

How did Kairos High School change your perspective towards ministry? 

I never realized how much work went into ministry. For example, when you plan events you aren’t just thinking about how to make it fun but the “why?” behind the event. When I say the why I mean you have to come up with an idea of why and how this will be beneficial to the ministry. I was able to use this thought process in planning an event for the Fusion students. In all of our student ministries we often have the problem that we seclude ourselves to only getting to know our small groups. So the Downtown interns and I decided we needed a “get to know you” game night for Fusion students. The “why”, in this situation, was finding the problem in our ministry and fixing it by creating something with that underlying message, and easing that message in throughout our time.

How do you feel Kairos High School equipped you for your future? 

This summer equipped me so well for my future. I was constantly surrounded by people who spoke truth into my life daily. They impacted my faith tremendously. One of the people who impacted my faith so heavily was Rachel Pelz (she was a college intern). She did so by constantly hanging out with me and getting to know me. She was very intentional in that way and was able to teach me how to work and live in a way that brings glory to the Lord. One of the specific ways was she taught me how to stay positive rather than having a critical mindset. This summer I had a tendency to come to her and vent about things that could have gone better, and things that frustrated me. She always listened and talked me through it afterwards. Also some practical things I learned was to speak in front of others well, improve in my time management, and lead in a more humble way.

What was the most impactful takeaway from your internship experience? 

I would say that the most impactful takeaway from my internship was increasing my understanding of how to use the strengths and talents God blessed me with, to benefit others. For example, I have a natural tendency to take charge as a leader, which can be both a blessing and a curse, at times. This summer my ministry leads and the Kairos teachings helped me figure out how to enhance that skill and essentially not become prideful in it. They taught me how to lead behind the scenes and to be a leader by allowing others to lead.

What type of student would you encourage to do Kairos High School? 

The type of student who should do this is the student that wants to further their walk with Christ, wants to be challenged, and wants to have an amazing summer. If you even have a small desire to do this, sign up, you won’t regret it!
-Lydia Fastzkie

Kairos High School is an 8-week summer internship for rising junior and senior high school students.  This internship is designed to introduce students to the core Kairos teachings, including Bible Study methods, leadership principles, theology of work, and the importance of the local church.  By serving in the church, students also learn what it looks like to take ownership and responsibility in their work. The application process for next summer’s Kairos High School will begin in early 2016. For more information, check out whatiskairos.org.