For the past two summers, Larisa Rodman, our camp director and head of Guest Relations, has facilitated Summer Camp Ministries with a summer assistant to help her with the many office tasks that a bustling camp schedule brings her way.
While Faith’s summer ministry teams have been in operation for several years, it was only recently that office support was added to Larisa’s roster.
One of our 2026 Office Administration (A.A.) graduates was an excellent fit for the position this summer. Lydia Hakes initially inquired about traveling as a Summer Ministry Team (SMT) member, but it was the office assistant role where she landed. And what a joy it has been to have her cheerful spirit and professional skills adding to the ministry here at Faith!
After completing her official required office internship with the Student Life Office this spring for her Associate of Arts degree, Lydia accepted the summer Guest Relations Assistant position which she says helped expand her skill set.
Not only did her experience transition from “interact[ing] mainly with students [to] serving outside guests,” but her experience also expanded to a small leadership role in managing a high school worker and a high school volunteer. All of these responsibilities provided opportunities for Lydia to learn to be “friendly, helpful, [and] flexible.”
We took time to ask Lydia about her experience as an office administration student.
Of course, she took Bible classes, as do all of our students. Her favorite non-office class was The Family with Dr. Dennis Wilkening. Her most practical office class was Office Procedures where the students went beyond learning “computer applications to more hands-on experience with using printers, using paper cutters, interviewing people, listening to podcasts, and job shadowing.”
Lydia especially appreciated the influence of her professor, Miss Karis Cole. Lydia said, “Miss Cole taught not only office administration, but also how to be a godly woman.”
Office administration is taught at institutions nationwide, but earning a two-year degree from a Bible college has unique benefits. Lydia did not plan to attend college after high school, but through the encouragement of her parents, she chose to give Faith a try. Through earning an office administration degree from a Bible college rather than a secular college, she has learned “to view people differently – [that] they are not just a customer coming through.”
She also mentioned the unique perspective of “the ethics [behind] why she chooses to be kind or go the extra mile” for a customer. “It’s not to earn awards or recognition, but to glorify God in your work and minister to others.”
As camps are wrapping up here on campus and Lydia continues to look for the next office job to which God will lead her, Larisa Rodman looks forward to seeing who God will bring her way as an office assistant next summer. It is a great opportunity for employees and students to work together and learn from each other.
Faith is blessed with so many students who, like Lydia, love our great God and want to serve others.
If you would like more information about our Associate of Arts degree in Office Administration, please visit https://faith.edu/academics/office-administration-2-year/.
