Conversations About...

A conversation with guest speaker Val Lieske, speaking about the value of friendship, finding identity, and pursuing calling.

Val is the artistic managing director of a theater company, as well as a playwright, educator and Chaplain to the arts community.

A conversation with Dr. Jake Stratman about leadership amongst peers, recovering from people pleasing and knowing who God says we are. Dr. Stratman is the Dean of the College of Humanities at John Brown University.

A conversation with Kylie Cleverdon about navigating sibling relationships after moving away for college. Hear about her experience with staying connected, finding commonality, and opening the door to deeper sibling relationships. Kylie is a Sophomore education major at John Brown University.

A roundtable conversation about how the Enneagram (or other personality assessments) can help us connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Hear an overview of this tool and how it works - then join our conversation with three 9's and a 5!

Further resources:

The Enneagram Institute (Learn more about this tool for understanding personality)

The Road Back to You (A book about ‘An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery)

Sleeping at Last, Atlas: Enneagram (Songs to represent each number)

Sleeping at Last Podcast Episodes

CHR Resources

A conversation with Sam Snook about mentoring relationships. Hear about his experience sustaining mentorship and the importance these connections have had in his life!

Sam is a Senior construction management major at John Brown University.

For more resources visit https://chr.jbu.edu/resources

A conversation with Zipporah Jones about sustaining friendship from childhood throughout college. Hear about her experience with her bestie, navigating change, conflict & commitment.

Zipporah is a Senior Family & Human Services major at John Brown University.

For more resources visit https://chr.jbu.edu/on-campus

The holidays can be full of cheer, and sometimes a bit of stress! Join this conversation about how to navigate going home from college on break.

Questions to ask yourself/your family:

- What are my (or your) expectations for this time together?

- What are some needs I have? (communicating my perspectives, getting plenty of rest, having fun, etc.)

- How can I show up in a loving and listening way in this brief time we have together?

A conversation with international students Lila & Robin, who share about what they've learned about friendship, adjusting to new culture and dealing with homesickness.

As seniors, they have experienced a lot and have wisdom to share - if you're also an international student they have advice for you, and if you're an American student their perspectives can help you better understand & connect with friends from around the world!

Friendships with the opposite gender, relationships for a season, friendships of "convenience" ... these all impact our lives and are important for healthy community!

Types of friendship:

Discussion Questions:

 Further Resources

https://chr.jbu.edu/on-campus

The Benefits of Friendship in Academic Settings 

'On Long Distance' by Megan Sherer 

Kendra talks with Sarah Cordle, a Resident Director at JBU about roommate relationships. They talk through what makes a successful roommate experience, and why navigating through these unique relationships is such an important part of the development that happens in college!

Connect with the CHR 

Discussion Questions