Introducing Beth, our New Intern
Hello!
I’m Beth, and I have the incredible privilege of being the Onelife intern this year. I’ve just graduated from the University of York where I studied Natural Sciences specialising in nanoscience (just think very, very tiny things) – so the internship may not seem like the most natural of next steps for a scientist by trade, but gosh does it feel right!
Onelife has played rather a significant role in my life for over 10 years now, but I suppose we can begin the story all the way back in primary school, when I (being the cheeky, risk-taking and slightly precocious younger sibling) became an expert at breaking and entering my brother’s (unlocked) room… Every February half term, I watched as my older brothers headed off in the mornings to St Andrew’s Chorleywood for the Onelife national conference, and as they came back in the evening buzzing about what they had learnt that day. Truth be told I was a little envious because I wanted to be a part of whatever they were experiencing. But I was too young to go! And so, I would sneak into my brother’s room and steal his notes, and sit and read and wonder… could this be for me as well? Could I also be a leader?
That began a journey with Onelife that has impacted every single part of my life.
That same brother I stole notes from became an intern in 2013 (if you recognise the surname, you may be thinking of him!) which planted the seed of wanting to be an intern myself. I started going to conferences with my youth group, took part in the Onelife challenges and completed the School of Leadership in 2016 which I still consider to be one of the best weeks of my life.
“Onelife’s teaching has been challenging, inspiring and encouraging – giving me the space to learn how to be vulnerable and authentic and put my trust in the promises of Jesus”
Five years later, I still remember a line from the very first meeting – a line that summed up the journey we were on that week (and a journey I’m still on today): ‘Discover God. Discover who I am. Discover how he is calling me to lead.’ That week we wrestled with practical teaching about character, relationships and values, all steeped in biblical truth about who Jesus is. We spent mealtimes and late nights laughing, chatting and building friendships based around being real and open with one another. I met friends who are now some of the most cherished people in my life, who have tracked with me through university and around the world, through physical, mental and emotional highs and lows.
And I grew. In so many areas of my life, even five years on, I’m seeing the impact of what I learnt that week.
Onelife’s teaching has been challenging, but also inspiring and encouraging, giving me the space to learn how to be vulnerable and authentic and put my trust in the promises of Jesus, as well as giving me the tools to navigate university with integrity. I haven’t always got it right, and I’ve still messed up more times than I can count, but I’m slowly realising there’s always room for grace, and that leadership isn’t about immediate perfection but instead it’s a journey that lasts a lifetime – and that it’s only made worth it when you’re journeying with Jesus.
I have a heart for adventure, for people to know Jesus and to see people be set free and flourish. I love to travel the world and to play sport – you’ll usually find me on a football or rugby pitch, or showing off some Taekwondo kicks – or even in hospital because I’m rather injury-prone! I watch way too much Taskmaster and Whose Line Is It Anyway? and quote way too much Yes, Minister, and I walk the fine line of being a rather hyperactive and energetic introvert.
But I also adore Onelife, and I love the vision. Just imagine a whole generation of young people and students, fully confident in their God-given identity (regardless of how the world views them) and committed to godly values, equipped and released into their God-given potential as leaders and kingdom-bringers… Imagine what the world would look like. It gives me shivers.
It’d look more like God’s world, and I can’t wait to play a small part in that over the next year with the Onelife team.
If you see me around at an event, do come and say hi! I’ll probably be in the middle of an impromptu dance party…