Bagpipes were the first thing many IMPACT 360 students heard Wednesday morning as student Bruce Ploeser awoke his fellow students by playing Amazing Grace. This began a very full and fun-packed day of learning about Chick-fil-A history and godly leadership. We departed campus at 6:45 in the morning heading to our first stop, the original Dwarf House in Hapeville, GA. While there we met up with John and Trudy White (founders of IMPACT 360) and ate a wonderful Chick-fil-A breakfast.
When we finished eating, Trudy began to tell us the history of Chick-fil-A and her own personal memories of growing up in and around the Dwarf House. We learned all about the ups and downs of her father Truett Cathy’s business in the early days when it first began. The next place we visited was the Greensboro mall to see the first Chick-fil-A. After that we stopped, by the Coca–Cola Company headquarters where we learned about their values and their long-standing partnership with Chick-fil-A. We then headed to the Varsity for lunch before heading to the Chick-fil-A corporate office. While at corporate, we got a full tour as well as a lesson in SERVE, Chick-fil-A’s model of leadership.
SERVE was a highlight for many of us as Ryan Bowman encourage us students to dream big. He challenged us to take the passions that God has given us and use them. He encouraged us when he told us that we were designed with precision, bought with a price, and destined for a purpose. He admonished us to think about what our purpose is and to pursue it with all diligence. After a long day of learning, it was time for some fun! What better way to have fun than to have a party – which is exactly what we did!
The day ended with a pool party at the White’s house. We were greeted by Trudy Cathy White who welcomed us and acknowledged that this was God’s home that they were blessed to be given stewardship over. Her desire was that we would feel like it was our home as much as it was theirs. It did, and they were amazing hosts. All of the students enjoyed a delicious Mexican dinner, great conversation, and plenty of fun in the pool!
Wednesday was one of the best days at IMPACT 360 so far. Of course, this is partially because we got out of the classroom, but also because we got to see the bigger picture. We saw how God is at work in and through Chick-fil-A and how that is impacting us and many people throughout the world. It is so exciting to think that we get to be a part of this impact!
Abigail Hebert
Class of 2013