Esther Chung, Manager of Alumni Engagement for Seaver Alumni Relations, joins RISE Program Specialist Emily Shaw at the RISE Roundtable. Esther discusses how she’s navigated being there for someone she loves, while also learning more about herself and her relationship with God in the process.

We also hear from three Pepperdine staff, who each share how they have leaned on their faith to help them through difficult times: Shelby White, Director of Student Employment; Jadyn Gaertner, Assistant Director of Worship & Service; and Jacob Moonen, Academic Advising Associate.

Here’s what we learned from our conversations:

• The power of a faith community and friends in supporting one’s resilience through a difficult time
• How to “choose to have faith” and “trust God” when things have been especially challenging
• The importance of honesty with yourself and loved ones about your feelings and what you need
• How to embrace all emotions, both the “good” and the “bad”
• How faith, knowing God is with you and that God understands what you’re going through, can carry one through difficult times
• Finding ways to serve while also receiving from others

Connect with us:

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PepperdineRISE-fb2vz?si=qtjB7yWoqwsJhte9
• Email: Resilience@pepperdine.edu
• Instagram: @pepperdinerise
• Website: www.pepperdine.edu/rise/
• Recommend a guest!: https://forms.gle/HztkVNgrW85bvvd1A 

In this episode, we discuss…

0:00 Pepperdine staff members share how they have leaned on faith

4:03 Esther shares her background and how she grew up

6:24 Esther discusses a recent difficult time she’s been going through with her family

7:51 Trust and honesty are two words Esther uses to describe her resilience journey

10:36 Esther highlights Hebrews 4:15 from the Bible

13:04 Esther’s mom’s faith and service heart

17:03 Learning to trust God

21:33 The power of a faith community and friends

25:05 “Sometimes, maybe, it’s not going to be OK.”

27:33 Practicing self-compassion and self-care

31:14 Relinquishing control and unspiraling

34:06 Seaver College Alumni Relations Office resources

34:38 How to stay connected with RISE