What does it mean to be a Wabash man?
When asked to Sam Shockley ’25 a religion major, the picture of a Wabash man evolved into a narrative extending beyond campus boundaries.
"Fellowship,” stated Shockley. “That is how I would define Wabash men.”
This answer was not always the case for Shockley—that is, until his summer service overseas in Eswatini during summer 2024. Introduced to the opportunity by his classmate Kanon Kelley ’25, Shockley found the experience to be eye-opening.
“Sam was someone who needed to experience this opportunity; it would allow him to see the broader scope of his Wabash education and help discern if ministry was his calling after Wabash,” explained Kelley.
Kelley participated in this same mission program the pervious summer. Having roomed with Shockley his freshman year, he felt that Shockley would be a perfect fit.
“The biggest thing I saw in Sam when I mentioned Eswatini to him was how much of a light Sam is for God. I felt this opportunity would allow him to shine his light even brighter in a different country,” added Kelley.
Eswatini, markedly different from the United States, offered transformative experiences for the Indiana native. Shockley was struck by the people's profound appreciation for the gifts received through human connection rather than material possessions—something he realized he often overlooked.
“The part that I appreciated the most was their joy. Their joy was inspiring even when they lived in poverty without running water or proper housing," Shockley reflected.
While he was abroad, Shockley not only embraced the diverse cultural aspects of being part of an international community but was challenged by the societal issues, particularly the absence of men in households and the resulting hardships faced by women.
"168体育平台下载_足球即时比分-注册|官网 all have the same problems,” said Shockley. “There is a struggle with raising men who take care of their house and treat women well and with respect. These problems carry over to America."
Shockley's experience revealed what he called "a new sense of urgency to help shape men to be like Wabash men."
Upon return to campus, Shockley was reminded of the ways that Wabash pushed him to become a "better" man.
"I've been surrounded by guys who are like-minded and want to push each other, want to get better, and want to learn," he noted.
Inspired by his mentors and his renewed sense of purpose, Shockley stepped out of his comfort zone during his senior year by leading a group of Wabash brothers in a study called the "Every Man Challenge."
The “Every Man Challenge,” derived from the book “Wild at Heart” by John Eldridge, walks participants through different roles and responsibilities called upon being a man and a follower of God.
“It is designed to get people out of their comfort zone, create circles of accountability for sin, and do what they know is the right thing, even if it feels uncomfortable,” Shockley remarked.
Above all, Shockley notes that the real benefit of the Challenge comes through the fellowship it fosters.
“While being a Wabash man is many things, I want the Challenge to push our guys into an experience of deep community and openness. I want us to become better men for each other and the world."
For Shockley, engaging in the Wabash “fellowship” means building up better men for a better world—both today and for the future.
Inspired by his overseas experience and the strong desire to build up better men, the religion major has chosen to continue his path in ministry as a Christian Church Leadership and Development Resident at Trader’s Point Church, just outside Indianapolis.