Hilly Chase: Seeking Opportunities to Serve Others

Rev. Appel shared stories about the many different paths her life and work have taken, encouraging students to consider how their own interests and experiences might come together over time.

To illustrate her story, Rev. Appel arranged a series of empty chairs on stage, each representing a different chapter or role in her life. As she spoke, students volunteered to join her on stage, taking a seat and representing the different roles she described. One student wore a cowboy hat to represent the Reverend’s younger years learning to ride horses, while others wore EMT or firefighter gear, dressed in clergy attire, or held a guitar to represent her time as a musician. The visual brought her stories to life and gave students an active role in the evening.

Rev. Appel’s message was that we do not have to be defined by a single job, career, or interest. The experiences and skills we develop along the way can connect in ways we may not expect, and each can contribute to a larger sense of purpose. She encouraged students to look for opportunities to serve others and to keep asking the bigger question: What gives our lives meaning?