Hilltop Chats Georgetown University Office of Campus Ministry

What a woman! If you don't get anything from this conversation, I'll give you your money back. Ladies and Gentlemen, Rabbi Rachel Gartner.

Episode Summary:

How she got stuck in an elevator while officiating a wedding and actually found meaning from that scary experience
The texts of our traditions versus the texts of our lives: how can your life be a text for others?
What she would say to someone who cannot find a way around the abyss of grief
Footsteps in the sand: God is always there, whether He’s walking right beside us or carrying us
The universal message for both theists and atheists: there is always something or someone holding us up in a powerful way
The one thing that gives Rabbi Rachel the most joy
Why she chose her vocation in a “moment of utter insanity”
If she could give one piece of advice to a Georgetown student regardless of their religious affiliation, what would it be?
If she could place a billboard anywhere in the world, what would it say and where would it be?
The best advice she’s ever received
The worst advice she’s ever received (many Georgetown students are actually guilty of following this)
How often does she dance? Not enough.

Why are we here? Listen to Evan's answer!

Why are we here? Listen to Yoel's answer!

Why are we here? Listen to Paige's answer!

Listen to the biggest bromance in Campus Ministry!

-Rev. O’s upbringing “everywhere” and how he came to be the Protestant chaplain at Georgetown [0:42]
-An outline of Fr. Greg’s life before becoming the Catholic chaplain [1:52]
-Comparing the ordination processes of both faiths [2:49]
-The first time Rev. O ever had orange soda - or perhaps better known as “circus water” [4:50]
-Trekking over five hours to Mass, sleeping on gym floors under the stars and lost luggage in Krakow, Poland [9:38]
-The way to Rev. O’s heart is through his kids (and of course, ice cream)[13:01]
-Halloween: trick-or-treaters, candy...and pregnancy tests? [14:30]
-How Fr. Greg ended up being one of the first people to hold Rev. O’s newborn [17:50]
-Working at Campus Ministry, where coworkers become family and authentic community is formed [20:03]
-For Fr. Greg, the ideal path of a Georgetown student includes discovering who they are uniquely meant to be and sharing their gifts with the world in their own way [26:31]
-For Rev. O, one of the worst things a student can do is miss out on all of the incredible opportunities that four years on the Hilltop can provide [28:13]
-For the greater glory of God and the betterment of humankind: two lofty goals that Georgetown can help you achieve [29:56]
-What is God’s glory? It’s living your life fully - that’s all [32:03]
-Georgetown isn’t just for sitting in a classroom and absorbing content. For that, go to Wikipedia [33:36]
-If they could return to their undergraduate selves, what would they tell themselves? [36:10]
-Rev. O’s experience dropping out of school to start a rock band (are you good at searching on the Internet? There could be $250 in it for you)[41:01]
-Confusing the social aspect with why you’re supposed to be at a university [43:01]
-“There are no mistakes as long as you learn something” [48:44]
-If they could give one piece of advice to a Georgetown student, regardless of their religious affiliation, what would it be? [51:23]

Why are we here? I think we are all here for a purpose. Hear Piyusha's thoughts on the question!