Esai Hernandez' Calling and Purpose in Society
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Kat Peters
College
College of Business (COB)
Discipline(s)
Sociology, Philosophy
ORCID Identifier(s)
Esai Hernandez: 0009-0001-7119-1620
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-30-2026
Abstract
This presentation reflects on the development of personal calling and purpose through the participation in the CAPS Fellowship at Valparaiso University. Grounded in a formative experience that integrates reflection, meaningful connections, and community volunteer work. This talk explores how intentional practices and having an open mindset can shape one's understanding of purpose. Drawing on personal experiences within the fellowship, the presentation highlights key moments of insight, challenge, and growth that contributed to a deeper awareness of calling. It examines how structured reflection, mentorship, and engagement with broader questions of meaning encouraged a more nuanced understanding of calling and purpose; not as a fixed destination, but as an ever evolving process. The talk also addresses tensions commonly encountered in discerning purpose, including uncertainty about the future and the difficulty of aligning personal values with real-world opportunities and societal expectations. Through these reflections, it offers a framework for navigating these challenges with intentionality and openness. Ultimately, this presentation invites listeners to consider how experiences like the CAPS Fellowship can serve as catalysts for discovering and refining one’s sense of purpose. It encourages ongoing reflection and active engagement in shaping a life that is both meaningful and responsive to the needs of others.
Recommended Citation
Hernandez, Esai, "Esai Hernandez' Calling and Purpose in Society" (2026). Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE). 1497.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1497
Biographical Information about Author(s)
This presentation reflects on the development of personal calling and purpose through the participation in the CAPS Fellowship at Valparaiso University. Grounded in a formative experience that integrates reflection, meaningful connections, and community volunteer work. This talk explores how intentional practices and having an open mindset can shape one's understanding of purpose. Drawing on personal experiences within the fellowship, the presentation highlights key moments of insight, challenge, and growth that contributed to a deeper awareness of calling. It examines how structured reflection, mentorship, and engagement with broader questions of meaning encouraged a more nuanced understanding of calling and purpose; not as a fixed destination, but as an ever evolving process. The talk also addresses tensions commonly encountered in discerning purpose, including uncertainty about the future and the difficulty of aligning personal values with real-world opportunities and societal expectations. Through these reflections, it offers a framework for navigating these challenges with intentionality and openness. Ultimately, this presentation invites listeners to consider how experiences like the CAPS Fellowship can serve as catalysts for discovering and refining one’s sense of purpose. It encourages ongoing reflection and active engagement in shaping a life that is both meaningful and responsive to the needs of others.