Brightening a person’s day is something that always makes Master of Arts student Jennifer Galvin smile. “I’m a big comforter person,” she said.
Giving comfort is one reason Galvin’s studies include a faith and health ministries concentration. Another reason: she’s a cancer survivor.
Galvin’s struggles, pain and victory with cancer have led her to open her heart to others. “I knew I wanted to do pastoral care. I feel drawn to use my experiences in the past to help others. I feel like God has given me certain characteristics to do that.”
Currently job-shadowing a chaplain at Stillwater Lakeview Hospital, Galvin is well on her way. She wants to eventually work as a chaplain in an oncology unit and help others dealing with cancer. It is no surprise then that her favorite class so far has been Forgiveness and Healing, team-taught by professors Alan Padgett and Janet Ramsey. It is “directed towards my passion of helping people in grief, and I am a big fan of the concept of healing,” she said.
Ministry is important to Galvin. She enjoys the feeling of receiving just by giving. “I gain more than I give,” she explained. “Your past events in your life lead you up to this. Past people and suffering has led me up to this.”
Once out in the field she plans on incorporating her Catholic faith and Lutheran beliefs into her ministry. The laying on of hands and last rites are some of the concepts she hopes to use.
For now, Galvin is looking forward to the upcoming years. She loves the community of people at Luther, and the experiences she’s had so far. “I feel a very big sense of togetherness. It is nice to be in a situation where we all have a common purpose. I learn just as much from peers as professors.”
Just like any other aspiring learner Galvin likes to take breaks. She enjoys activities with her friends, watching Oprah, cheering on the Minnesota Wild, and reading. “I make it a priority to read at least one book for fun.”