Esther (Pruitt) Munyan '20: A Calling to Student Development
When Esther (Pruitt) Munyan '20 was applying for college during her senior year, she wrestled with the question that many students ask themselves: "What do these scholarship offers and acceptance letters say about my worth?" She found it easy to view admissions decisions as a measure of her value. "When I applied to Covenant, however, I was struck by a different perspective—that my education could be an opportunity to glorify God rather than a means of proving something about myself."
Esther discovered Covenant to be a place like no other, a place where the Lord is magnified. "I still have a memory of sitting in chapel and looking around to see students taking notes on the chapel message with attentiveness and wonder." She continues to benefit from her professors' teaching, revisiting notes she took in Dr. Kapic's New Testament class and remembering Dr. Zuidema's catechism devotionals in Introduction to Chemistry. She now also has the honor of calling professors such as Dr. Yue dear friends. "I am grateful for the faithful professors who love the Lord and love helping their students learn more about Him."
Finding her "little c" Calling
Esther resonated with the concept of there being both a "little c" and "big C" callings in our lives, a framework that students learn during their first semester. "As Christians, we all have the same 'big C' calling: to glorify God, enjoy Him forever, and help others do the same. We have different 'little c' callings in how we spend our days on this earth. When I was given this framework for my vocation in life, the pressure of choosing the right career fell off my shoulders because I knew that my first priority started with a 'big C' and that in my 'little c' calling, I am called to be faithful and work unto the Lord, regardless of the work He gives me."
During her time at Covenant, Esther studied psychology with the expectation that she would go on to pursue an M.A. in counseling. It wasn't until her resident director, Andrea Lopez, encouraged her to consider the field of student development that she began to consider a different career path. Esther served as a resident assistant (RA) under Andrea in Maclellan/Rymer Hall for two years. During that time, Andrea had a significant impact on her life and faith. During her senior year, conversations with Andrea about calling and vocation helped Esther recognize that the gifts she developed as an RA might suit her well for a career in residence life.
Working in Student Life
After Esther graduated from Covenant, she worked at Wheaton College as a graduate resident adviser (GRA). In her work as a GRA, she mentored RAs, responded to crises on campus, and engaged with students in important, life-shaping conversations. While working for Wheaton, she pursued a master's degree in higher education and student development. After completing the program two years later, she moved to Quito, Ecuador.
In Quito, Esther worked for a Christian study abroad program called Living and Learning International, where she mentored students in a new cultural context, planned weekend activities for them, and met with them regularly for one-on-one conversations. After a year of working abroad, she accepted her current position at Westmont College as a Resident Director and moved to Santa Barbara, California.
Esther enjoys her work in student development and loves helping students grow in their faith. "Since I spend most of my time mentoring RAs and meeting with residents, I get to see stories unfold in real time. The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the ways that my students grow over the course of a school year—and I especially love to see them falling more in love with the Lord and growing in confidence about how He has uniquely created them to serve His kingdom."
She also values the variety her work brings. "I may start the morning with a clear idea of how the day will unfold, only to find myself reflecting on a completely different series of events by the end of it. My work is exciting and meaningful and I am so grateful that I get to be in a job where most of my day is spent in meaningful conversation with wonderful people!"
A Calling Rooted in Faith
Because Esther's work centers on helping young adults navigate life's questions and challenges, her faith in the Lord is foundational to her vocation. Her time at Covenant helped shape the way she looks at and responds to life's difficulties. "One of the most important lessons I learned at Covenant was that in the midst of questions or doubts, we are encouraged to stand firm in what we know to be true about the Lord." She describes God's character as a comfort to us during times of mystery when we don't understand what God is doing in our lives. "There are questions that won't be answered in this life, but some of the questions that God answered for us in the great gift of His Word are: 'Who is God?'; 'What is He like?'; and 'Can I trust Him?' Through a clear lens of God's character, we can comfortably say 'I don't know' to the circumstances and questions that only our good Father can understand."
Through professors, residence life mentors, and close friendships, Esther experienced the kind of whole-person formation she now seeks to offer the students entrusted to her care. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in student development, Esther says it's important to cultivate friendships and seek out mentors that challenge and sharpen you. "Much of student development work involves guiding and advising young adults, and that responsibility can sometimes create opportunities for pride to take root. Having people in your life who consistently point you to Christ, ask thoughtful questions, hold you accountable, and lift you up in prayer is essential. Their encouragement and perspective will help you serve others with humility, wisdom, and grace. I found this kind of 'iron sharpening iron' friendship with my Covenant roommates, Marie, Maddie, and Karis. Our sisterhood has been one of the kindest gifts from the Lord in my life."