FINDING PURPOSE AT <strong>CHCA</strong> <strong>CHCA</strong> offers numerous opportunities for students to find their purpose and value. By Kaveri Easwaran ’24 10
MR. JOE METZGER WAS RECENTLY HIRED AS OUR UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE DIRECTOR. I was curious to understand more about this new role, so I sat down for an interview with Mr. Metzger. The following is an abridged summary of my interview. KE: PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU CAME TO <strong>CHCA</strong>. JM: I came to <strong>CHCA</strong> because I felt God was calling me into this space. I was searching for a purpose when I started out after college. I worked in software sales, landed a good job, and was doing well. But I didn't feel fulfilled; I didn't have a sense of purpose in what I did every day. So, when I was offered this job at <strong>CHCA</strong>, it was a dream come true. Every day, I have a purpose; I feel fulfilled with what I am doing, and I know Jesus is in our midst. At <strong>CHCA</strong>, I love how I get to serve, help, and impact as many students as possible daily. KE: WHAT DOES STUDENT LIFE DIRECTOR MEAN? JM: Being Student Life Director means helping students find what they are passionate about. Also, I want to help students find a group of people with whom they will connect, enjoy, and have fun. I actually call my job the “fun director.” In addition, I oversee student government, club activities, and school spirit. Ultimately, I try to help each student find the best place where they’re happy and passionate about what they’re doing. KE: WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE, AND HOW WILL YOU MEASURE IT? JM: Success in this job means positively impacting and improving each student's life. One of the ways I try to impact students’ lives is by helping them find the organizations and/or groups that best fit their passions and aspirations. Success is beyond numbers and analytics. Ultimately, I believe we are successful if we are doing what Jesus calls us to do. KE: WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVING YOUR VISION? JM: High school years matter. High school is more than coursework. High school is about the lessons we learn about ourselves, figuring out what kind of a person we want to be, and learning how we want to impact others and the world. Many students do not yet realize this, and I want to help them see the big picture. And unfortunately, some students might not be receptive to this message. I need to work to overcome this challenge. KE: WHAT ARE ONE OR TWO OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE <strong>CHCA</strong> COMMUNITY? JM: <strong>CHCA</strong> is blessed with a great community of people. Great things can happen when you have a Christ-centered community of teachers and parents who have students’ best interests at heart. I’ve enjoyed learning how much the teachers care about the kids; it's unique. Importantly, our students are tremendous. All these things make my work rewarding and fun. KE: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY FOR ENHANCING UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE AT <strong>CHCA</strong>? JM: I believe the three keys to leading a joyful life are to have a purpose, feel valued, and be fulfilled. Therefore, to enhance Upper School student life at <strong>CHCA</strong>, I want to find a place for each student, where they can find their purpose and connect with like-minded people. KE: WHAT IS ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF? JM: I love pickleball! In conclusion, I appreciate Mr. Metzger's determination to help students find their purpose and value. I am grateful to be a part of the <strong>CHCA</strong> community, which recognizes the importance of students finding their purpose so that each of us may grow into the people God created us to be. 11