Simply put, What Matters to Me and Why (WMMW) offers students a chance to get to know their favorite professors beyond the classroom; however, this program is far from simple. Housed within the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and part of the Spiritual Wellness Initiative, WMMW is all about those conversations of meaning and purpose. One of the healthiest spiritual practices is that of telling our own story. The classroom, as wondrous and mind- expanding as it can be, often must leave the personal at the door in order to accomplish the day’s lesson. WMMW brings the personal story to the forefront and offers members of the TCU community direct contact with the human behind the professor. Each professor is asked the simple-sounding, yet deceptively complex question of “what matters to you and why?” and may answer it in whatever context they feel appropriate.

The setting is warm, comfortable and comes with lunch. We have had professors answer the question with anything from dogs to Judaism to natural selection. Regardless of the answer, each WMMW luncheon is a powerful experience. When we ask a professor the question, we end up seeing a side of them unseen in the classroom. They are free to speak their mind and to tell their story, always with great effect on the audience.

This is about human connection. No matter what the diversity of beliefs, creeds, or religions in the room, we are all humans who search for meaning and purpose. Sharing in another's story is a great way to discover our own story, be a part of the human community, and to make genuine connections.

With approximately one thousand international students enrolled at Kansas State, there is considerable need—and opportunity—to practice a ministry of hospitality. Two or three times each semester our student ministry group, CrossRoads, hosts a feast in the auditorium of our 8,000 square-foot campus center adjacent to the main campus. It is not unusual for a crowd of one hundred or more to gather. Cooks from our local supporting congregations fix their favorite dishes, American students serve as hosts, greeters and food servers. International students bring their friends and family. It is a wonderful time for all God's children to gather and share food, laughter and stories. After dinner an international student offers a presentation about their country, followed by a question-and-answer session.

KSU alumnus Gennadi Gevorgyan writes, "I know that for many international students, learning about American culture and American way to live, while also being able to share their culture with Americans is a priority. I also know that it's hard to overestimate the role of friendship parties and other social gatherings that you continuously support, in fostering the cultural exchange between local and international students. Therefore, I'd like to take this opportunity and thank you whole heartedly for the wonderful people I met and incredible time I spent at the international friendship parties/dinners. Thank you for your friendship!"