We were at 3000 feet or so, not very high above the relatively
calm waters that surrounded the numerous islands below. But it was high enough
to gain a different, vertical perspective, rather than the horizontal one we
were used to. For Kelly, the experience of flying over the Gulf Islands and the
waters of Juan de Fuca Sound was novel. Doing it in a rather elderly Beaver float
plane was definitely different than anything she had known before. However,
this would not match the opportunities yet to be realized after we settled
gently into the Victoria Harbour, across from the British Columbia Legislature buildings.
Kelly Lamb is one of two young people currently serving as
The Office of the President’s Interns, a very different post-graduate
opportunity that provides the unique educational perspective gained by working
in the President’s office for a year. This was but one afternoon’s portion of
the experience.
We quickly walked the short distance between the floatplane
wharf and the impressive government building. We knew we would be early for our
3:30 PM appointment, but this gave us a chance to pass through security and
climb the steps to the public gallery where we could, if only so briefly, view
the Legislature in session. It was Question Period, with its raucous,
desks-thumping, cajoling “debate” that characterizes most parliamentary
traditions. Verbal barbs are thrown from one side of the house to the other, the
Opposition side accusing the Government side of some heinous dereliction of
duty, while the Government retorts by quoting from its stellar record of
achievements given serious financial constraints. Soon enough, and in sharp
contrast to the verbal fire fight, the chamber grew quiet as the regular
business of the Government resumed with lengthy speeches both for and against
the budget.
We retreated from the viewing gallery to the main floor of
the Legislature just in time to meet the staffer from the Office of the Minister
of Education, to which we were escorted for a very pleasant discussion with the
Minister. The time passed quickly and we were reminded of our 3:30 PM
appointment. Guided through the labyrinth of oak-paneled hallways to the Office
of the Minister of Advanced Education we arrived moments before the appointed
time. After the introductions, the Minister was quick to take up the
opportunity to question Kelly about her experiences at Trinity Western
University, from which she had graduated only a few months earlier. She handled
herself well, as I was confident she would. Discussion with the Minister was
easy-going, punctuated by stories and laughter but touching on key areas of
concern as well. Our allotment of 30 minutes, although too short, was both
informative and fruitful, with assurances being exchanged to continue the
dialogue in the future.
We returned to the harbor to await our flight home. It was
Kelly’s turn to experience another “first,” this time due entirely to the
graciousness of the Minister of Innovation and Technology, a colleague I had
worked with in private practice who gave up the copilot seat for her to have a
literal “bird’s-eye view” on the flight home.
The Internship program includes assignments, reading,
presentations and working within different departments with which the President
and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs are involved. But most
importantly, it provides occasions for young leaders like Kelly to experience
leadership up close. For the President, it demands transparency, accountability
and mentoring on a consistent basis. For Trinity Western, it profiles two
alumni, the product of its education, transformation and impact. The Interns
represent all of us at TWU in a public profile sort of way. But, when you think
about it, we are all representatives of TWU. Whether we know it or not, the
world is watching. Unbeknownst to us, people everywhere are observing us and
measuring our performance. Are we working hard?
Are we living lives of integrity? Are our actions aligned with our Mission Statement?
Are we living in the way that Christ
taught us to: selflessly sacrificing for others, whether we are appreciated or
not?
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