Coherence — what in the world is that? By definition, the noun coherence means logical interconnection; overall sense or understandability. 

The Coherence Retreat offers ways for sophomores to learn what this means and how they can use the skills they learn here to succeed mentally and emotionally. The retreat shines light on questions like: 

•  “What does living the ‘good’ life look like?” 

• “What does it mean to truly thrive and flourish?” 

• “What does effective and godly leadership look like?” 

• “How do I know what I’m personally called to?” 

My experience with the retreat was a fruitful one. It stretched me in ways that sometimes made me uncomfortable, but never once did I want to leave. Everyone there was genuinely interested in helping me to become a stronger person and made efforts to encourage me and the others around me. We spent time in workshops with leaders in the Geneva Community, in breakout sessions, and in encouraging small team-building activities. 

One thing that specifically impacted me greatly was the set-aside individual quiet time. The leaders of the retreat gave each one of us a small box to look through. In this box were a few things: instructions, matches, a tea light candle, and a small mirror. Through these objects, we were asked to reflect on ourselves, literally and figuratively, through our own eyes and through the eyes of our God. Through Bible verses, we were shown who we are meant to be and how God sees us. This was a hard task for a few reasons: 

 1.) We were to be quiet (which is difficult because I like to talk) 

2.) Our minds tend to wander 

3.) Looking at yourself is not necessarily an easy thing to do 

It is so easy to see all the flaws but looking at yourself after reading those Bible verses really just shifts your perspective. The retreat was a time for both self-discovery and for building qualities of good leaders. Good leaders are built from knowing themselves first. Through this retreat I now have the tools to impact the lives of those around me, including myself. 

By Caleigh Smith ‘27