Reflections from past Shalomies
We are a few months into our 2022-23 program year – which is The Shalom Project’s eighth year! We have had 27 participants who have “graduated” to alumni status over the years, and we are very glad that so many of them have continued to be a part of our Shalom Project community! We recently asked them to tell us some things about their Shalom Project experience, how it has impacted their life going forward, and what they would say to those who might be considering joining The Shalom Project.
When asked about favorite memories from their year in The Shalom Project, having fun and building community with their housemates stood out for many of them. Participants are given money each month to spend on a group outing together, in order to encourage the group to spend intentional time together, create shared experiences, get out and explore Lancaster, and/or learn about each others’ hobbies and interests. Some group activities that alumni mentioned as highlights include: going bowling together, going to Lancaster Cupcakes, going to the Strasburg Railroad, and even a stay-at-home activity of a Christmas dinner and photo shoot! Alumni also enjoyed other community-focused events, such as Shalom Project retreats that happen in the middle and at the end of the year, and getting together with members of the two other intentional communities in the neighborhood. Building meaningful and life-giving relationships is a core part of The Shalom Project, and something that our alumni remember fondly!
A goal of The Shalom Project is to provide participants with a space to learn and grow, and to equip them to take the values that they have developed with them into the “real world” after their year in The Shalom Project. Some of the values that alumni mentioned carrying with them are simplicity, spirituality, peace, community, and having an expanded perspective through experiencing diverse cultures. As living in community provided such good memories for our alumni, many of them took away a deep appreciation for living intentionally in relationship with others, as well as other life lessons that come from living in community. For example, some alumni talked about growing in and appreciating communication skills, setting boundaries, and practicing patience. Community is amazing, but it is not always easy! Along with an emphasis on community, some alumni talked about spiritual and personal practices and perspectives that they gained. They have benefited from the opportunity to develop a personal rhythm of life, and incorporate practices like daily prayer into their routines. They have learned valuable intangible skills like deeply getting to know the place you are located in, and seeing perceived failures as learning opportunities.
The Shalom Project also helped prepare our alumni to live intentionally in the career and financial spheres of life. Alumni appreciated how The Shalom Project allowed them to experience “adult things” such as working in a corporate office, budgeting, and managing a work-life balance, while having an extra layer of support. Some also noted how their service placement supported them in their career development, and how The Shalom Project offered seminars in skills like retirement planning. Alumni also value the broader The Shalom Project network that they get to be a part of, both during their Shalom year and after, especially if they stick around Lancaster. There are many awesome people connected to The Shalom Project who love to support the participants and alumni in whatever ways they can, and who have a lot of wisdom to share about living intentionally.
I want to end with some direct quotes from alumni when asked what they would say to someone who was considering applying for or joining The Shalom Project – maybe they will inspire you!
“If you're unsure what to do after college and would like to grow along with other young adults, The Shalom Project's a great first step into the "real" world.” – Patrick Webb, 2021-22 participant
“Just do it! You can make unforgettable memories in your life.” – Sihyeon Bae, 2019-20 participant
“If you are willing to compromise and grow in your understanding of yourself and the world, then the Shalom Project is a good fit for you!” – Olivia Smucker, 2020-21 participant
“Don't underestimate the value of community and simplicity in bringing you and those around you towards fulfillment.” – Julian Harnish, 2018-19 participant
“You will always have support in your personal and professional development. If you bring intention, effort and an open mind, you can grow and enjoy this season in ways that you want but also in ways that you may not have expected.” - Zhuang Lin Mok, 2020-21 participant
We hope this has given you a better picture of what Shalom Project life is like, and if it sounds like something that you want to experience for yourself, please reach out to us!
Learn more about a year with The Shalom Project
Contact Nathan, and we’ll schedule a 15-30 min phone call to answer any questions.
