At the University of Portland, leadership is one of the many aspects that is strongly cultivated. So much so, that the opportunities for positions to lead among your peers are more common than scarce. In particular, the leadership opportunities in each residence hall are designed for community growth as well as personal growth. The leadership positions located within the network of each residence hall gives unique opportunities for students to reach beyond themselves and to get involved in their community. I might be a little bit biased in saying this, but to me, the position of being a Faith and Formation Ambassador is one of the best.

What is a Faith and Formation Ambassador? In short, a Faith and Formation Ambassador are hall leaders who cultivate community, meet the needs of the residents, and aid in connecting people to the wider Campus Ministry. We act as the cross-bridge from residence life to faith life, but our spectrum extends way beyond that. In simplicity we are here for the dorm, to be what they need, and to support those in need.

We call ourselves FFAs for short but don’t be fooled by the exactness — this position is nothing to be afraid of. Being as it is a newer program among student leadership, some residents are not as aware of the FFA’s presence as some of the more traditional positions, such as the community assistants.

It is a really awesome experience to be in this leadership position, as the growth that occurs because of it is way more than can be imagined. Being a Faith and Formation Ambassador is a leadership position that stretches you beyond yourself, gives you a network that makes you laughs, and shows you what it is like to really value others and have them value you.

1. Community

The people that are met through being an FFA at the University of Portland turn into family. It is known that they have your back and that you have theirs. No FFAs left behind.

2. Listening to People

As an FFA, you learn to listen to others opinions. Listening is different than hearing; the first requires more intentionality than the first.

3. Growing in Faith

As an FFA, your faith and the faith of your friends will be tested at times. Through the duration of the role, the discovery of an unknown side of faith can be found.

4. Support

This point ties in with the first — the type of support that can be had from this group, is unreal. They will challenge you in ways that weren’t even deemed possible and will travel through that hard times with you.

5. Viewing Through Lenses

In in a class for University of Portland FFAs, case studies are looked at through different lenses. This allows the expansion of perspective on situations that can be broadened and reflected into different everyday situations in everyone’s lives.

6. REX

About once a month, all of the FFAs gather with the L’Arche community to hang out together as one community. L’Arche is a community of adults with mental disabilities. Being a part of the REX program will give a surprise. Everyone has gifts, and being a part of REX can show this in a very real, black and white way.

7. Spiritual Direction

As a part of the FFA program, each student is designated a spiritual mentor who directs them. These directors don’t always give flat out answers, but often allow the individual to ponder and come to a conclusion of path on their own.

8. Build Traditions

The FFA program allows a lot of room for leadership creativity. As student leaders, we are able to create and change events as we see fit for the needs of the community.

9. Teamwork

Being an FFA requires a lot of teamwork. Not only do you share the role with another person or two in your residence hall, but the other FFAs in the quad have to be in the bigger picture as well. Without teamwork on events, transitions don’t go as smoothly, and everyone is left on a different page of the non-existent plan.

10. Reflection

Being in the FFA program allows for a lot of reflection. A few of these opportunities occur in submitting monthly accomplishments, FFA class, and the annual retreat. Each opportunity brings a different type of reflection that produces different takeaways.

Being a Faith and Formation Ambassador at the University of Portland has taught me much and has brought challenge beyond what was expected. This role has allowed me to understand how to meet the needs of my community, and much more.

If you live on a college campus, look around and see what leadership positions there are. You might not find yourself taking on that role, but you can definitely benefit from what those who do have to offer! You never know, it might be the missing piece to your college support system.