Brooke Harris is a woman of passion. Her heart beats with love for all people and for the kingdom of God. While most graduates from the class of 2011 are still in the midst of their job search or starting a new life far from their alma mater, Harris is back in the place she called home for the past four years. Her continued presence at Spring Arbor University (SAU) is accompanied by a vision of what the body of Christ on campus can become.When Harris graduated in May with a degree in Special Education and Learning Disabilities, returning to SAU was not in her plans. After student teaching her final semester she was eager to attain a job as a full-time teacher and spent her summer pursuing this goal.However, “God has a way of redirecting our plans,” Harris said.She received a phone call in August offering her the opportunity to take on the role of the advisor to the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR). The offer surprised her, and she took time to think and pray about it. Accepting the position brought her a feeling of peace.
OIR is not unfamiliar to Harris. Her first interaction with the office occurred before freshman year began, when Harris participated in the OIR-sponsored High Beams program, which allowed her to connect with other students and ease her way into college life.
Throughout college, Harris participated in OIR programs like gospel choir and the fashion show, but her biggest interaction with the office was through the former advisor, Michael Eatman.
“I would definitely count him among the people who saw something in me and always encouraged me to be the best person I could be. I think he was able to connect with students in an individual basis and find a way to pull out their strengths,” Harris said.
Under Eatman’s influence, Harris developed an attitude toward students that viewed them as individuals with potential strengths that could be fully cultivated with encouragement from others. This attitude has carried over and is essential to her vision for OIR today.
Harris’s involvement in OIR has also taught her the importance of knowing what she believes about diversity as a Christian. Her desire is to see the students of SAU come together as a Christian community and talk about how their faith affects the way they view diversity and their actions towards others.
Asking “how can I honor the Lord in my everyday actions?” is a large part of learning how to approach topics of diversity and ethnicity. The idea is for OIR to facilitate these types of conversations, helping students of each ethnicity live better together.
Stepping into this position just as the school year was beginning was a challenge. Harris credits part of her successful start to the OIR staff who worked hard at the beginning of the summer to ensure the office would be prepared for the leadership shift. Her transition into the job was smooth due to their support, encouragement and clear vision.
“I love working with the staff in Student Development. Everyone is fun and very encouraging,” Harris said.
A love for people, listening to their perspectives and being in tune with their needs are all qualities Harris brings to the staff. She believes it is important to assume the best in others, especially when dealing with the topic of diversity.
If there is one thing she wants students to know, it is to “not be afraid to join in the conversations about diversity.” She is working hard to create safe atmospheres where students of every race and background can feel comfortable engaging in these conversations.
Along with this, she wants students to realize they can gain the best understanding of each other when a variety of perspectives are brought to a discussion.
OIR is for everyone, and every voice counts. Harris approaches each conversation about diversity from the viewpoint of “the same blood of Jesus that covers me covers you and we are all God’s children.”
Spend any amount of time talking to Harris, and you will see how this belief is lived out in the way she treats each person. Her words are wise, her tone is passionate and her love for people and the role they play in God’s Kingdom is unwavering.
