Rachel Bauer
Name: Rachel Bauer
Hometown: Wilmington, NC
College: UNC-Chapel Hill (’09)
Degree: Psychology
What brought you to the Fellows Program?
Before I went to college I lived in Kinston during high school. After I graduated from high school and my family moved to Wilmington, it never occured to me I’d one day return to Kinston. However, it was clear towards the end of my senior year at UNC that God had other plans for my life. At the time, I knew I was interested in continuing school but wanted to take a year off to get some work experience, particularly in a place where I could grow in my relationship with God. Jimbo Perry, the director of the Kinston Fellows, approached me in the summer and suggested I consider joining the Kinston Fellows. After several weeks of prayer, I felt led to commit, and moved to Kinston.
What type of work do you do in the Fellows Program?
In spite of my initial doubts, participating in this program has worked out tremendously both in my spiritual walk and my life plans. From my internship with a local law firm, I’ve been able to get affirmation in pursuing law as a career by working closely with three criminal defense attorneys. Thanks to their willingness to open their practice, I’ve been able to get great hands on experience in the legal field. In addition to my internship, I’m involved in working with the church’s youth, coaching the Kinston High School girl’s soccer team, and participating in Little By Little, a program that promotes reading with children.
What have you enjoyed the most about the program?
These activities have added a lot to my experience as a Fellow as I learn how to live out my faith. Other aspects of the program that I enjoy, and am extremely thankful for, are my host family and the willingness of church members to invest in each of the Fellows. It’s not everyday you meet people who simply want to love you, guide you and… feed you! Yum! Seeing the spiritual generosity of my host family and other church members has had a profound impact on my experience as a Fellow. I look forward to taking what I’ve learned over this year and applying it to the rest of my life.