184 academics During the spring of 2008, students looked to revamp a business organization with the purpose of bringing a more mission-oriented face to the club. Originally known as Future Leaders of Health Care and intended for health care management majors, The Way was formed to give students from all majors more opportunities to serve God by serving others through health care assistance. The changes to the organization’s name and purpose greatly expanded the club’s vision. “We chose the name to reflect our deeper dedication to community service in public health and health care related community endeavors,” Teresa Chance, program director for The Way said. “The focus of the club has changed significantly from one with a small scope of influence to one that focuses on opportunities to build community within community.” Effective in the fall 2008 semester, the organization adopted a new mission statement declaring: “As future health care leaders, our mission is to bring renewed unity, strengthened faith, encouragement to all and blessings in common through fruitful acts of service in Christ Jesus.” “We really want to be able to get several majors working together, each of us using our talents to bring good to the world around us,” senior Carson Copeland said. “We want to bridge the gap between different social groups to glorify God and encourage others in the process.” One of the reasons that contributed to the switch from the HCM program to The Way was because it came under new leadership. Chance, who took over as program director, said there were some inevitable shifts in focus simply because of differences in leadership and mission style from one to another. “I believe that community projects and involvement are an excellent way to grow experience and a professional base, but the truth of the matter is that we are always supposed to have our eyes on God and not our own personal gain,” Chance said. “We wanted a name and mission and path that reminded us of our ultimate purpose.” Although its focus was on health care, The Way worked with outside organizations such as the Searcy Children’s Home. “We take a holistic approach, recognizing the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual needs of others,” said senior Ryan Lambert, president of The Way. The group hosted Searcy Children’s Day on Oct. 6, which gave children from the Searcy Children’s Home a chance to eat and play with college students on the front lawn. “We put this on for students of all majors to be involved with the kids, whether it be through playing on the moon bounce or painting their faces,” junior Maleah Young said. Chance said other projects that The Way was involved in included the 3C’s Community Cleanup where the students worked with the Searcy Mayor Belinda LaForce and Habitat for Humanity to organize a community cleanup day around the Searcy Carmichael Center. Chance said she saw a big difference in the club since the new changes were implemented. “There is a drive and passion within this group that shows sincere love for God and a sincere desire to impact lives,” she said. While The Way strived to be a blessing among the community they served, those involved also saw their own lives blessed by such opportunities. “I love to be a part of a group of people who is not focused on the needs of themselves but puts God first and others second,” Copeland said. “It’s easy to be involved with a group who truly seeks to help those in need.” Lambert agreed with Copeland in that The Way gave him an opportunity to serve. “Serving God by helping others is a way of life,” Lambert said. “It causes you to forget about yourself when you’re thinking of others more than yourself.” Christie Cronk and Rachel Klemmer Reaching Out Health care leaders serve the community
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