Hi everybody, My name is Fidelina Xinico, and I’m from Guatemala. I am a senior double majoring in international business and economics with a minor in management information system. I have been involved in AYTI by being a mentor for the summers of 2017 and 2018, and as one of the AYTI Ambassadors for the academic year since 2017. Something that I like about AYTI is that you always keep learning and working with people for the common good by educating yourself, spreading information, and by doing hands-on jobs. I am excited to be one of the Ambassadors again this year!
Meet Our 2019 AYTI Ambassadors-Grace
Hi! My name is Grace Porter, and I am a first year here at Augsburg University. I am majoring in Theology and Public Leadership with a concentration in Youth Studies and a minor in music. I attended AYTI a few years ago, and it was one of the best weeks of my life! I grew so much in faith and friendships and had so many wonderful experiences that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Attending the camp is also one of the big reasons I chose to attend Augsburg, and I love it here just as much as I thought I would!
Meet Our 2019 AYTI Ambassadors – Ian
Hello! My name is Ian Heseltine. I’m a second year at Augsburg University and I am majoring in Music, Media & Management with a minor in Religion. I’m so excited to be returning this school year to serve as an AYTI Ambassador. This summer I was also an AYTI mentor which was such an incredible and indescribable week that I believe all youth should experience! I can’t wait to have all of our 2019 AYTI students here at Augsburg to learn more about God, reflect on God, and serve their communities through God.
MEET IAN-2018 AYTI MENTOR
Hello! My name is Ian Heseltine. I’m a first year at Augsburg University and am majoring in Music Business with a minor in Religion. I’m from Alexandria, Minnesota which is two hours west of Minneapolis. My favorite thing about Augsburg is our incredible Religion Department and our amazing Campus Ministry Staff. They are so welcoming and have helped me dive further into my faith this year. When I graduate, I would like to get a job working as an agent/manager for Popular Music Artists. I know one side of the AYTI story but I haven’t actually experienced it, so I’m super excited to go along this incredible journey with our students this summer!
Introducing Program Director, Jeremy Myers
Jeremy has been a member of the Religion department at Augsburg University since 2006 with specific responsibilities for facilitating the University’s Theology and Public Leadership degree program, the Youth Studies minor, and the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute. He is a rostered Deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). You can learn more about his views on ministry with youth and young adults at his blog, or by reading his book Liberating Youth from Adolescence.
Jeremy has served in the field of ministry with youth and young adults professionally since 1997. He loves working with those in this chapter of life and equally loves helping faith communities become more engaged in their lives.
He believes young people today are not longing for anything different than previous generations. But the culture in which they experience these longings has grown increasingly complex and the gap between our young adults and congregations is greater than it has ever been. This gap has appeared as congregations have failed to move into this complex culture with their young people. Jeremy is certain congregations can learn and implement practices that move them into this complex public square where their young adults are seeking to navigate life and faith.