Hidden in the periphery of campus, Chapel House might just be Colgate University’s best-kept secret. On a campus with constant deadlines and exams, Chapel House provides a rare luxury: serenity. For senior Leigha Schultze, it is not only a place to escape the bustle, but also a part of her daily routine. As a Chapel House student associate, Schultze has a role that may seem less visible on main campus, away from the library and classrooms, but is deeply meaningful to her and the community she serves on campus.
Schultze has worked at Chapel House since the start of her first year.
“I was introduced to Chapel House during orientation and knew I wanted to spend more time there because it serves as such a peaceful place of refuge on campus. Working here is just a huge added bonus because I know there are already times in my week designated for visiting the house and being around so many lovely visitors,” Schultze said.
Unlike other campus jobs, Schultze’s role as a student associate allows her to combine both professional responsibilities and personal enrichment.
“Being able to work here is such a privilege because it encourages me to carve out time for myself and check in with where I’m at mentally,” Schultze said.
Her days at Chapel House vary, shaped mostly by the rhythm of the house and meeting walk-in visitors where they are at. Sometimes, her job looks like simple hospitality.
“A usual day consists of talking with guests, tending to the house, leading tours and otherwise being a friendly face to visitors,” Schultze said.
Other times, she is a facilitator for specific activities that happen throughout the week. These practices are often guided and are designed to inspire and challenge people to introspect.
“Some of the events I run are the Thursday evening crafting circle, sound bathing meditations and guided forest walks,” Schultze said.
The events she helps lead are important to the unique goal of Chapel House as a campus space. The crafting circle, for example, is simple but intentional.
“It’s just a once-a-week event where students can work on crafts of their choosing,” Schultze said. “The idea is that a sort of meditation and peace can be found in working with your hands.”
Sound bath meditations are also a meditative practice that Schultze runs.
“Visitors sit or lie down and listen to an assortment of sounds – like singing bowls, rain makers and more,” Schultze said.
Then there are the forest walks, her personal favorite.
“My favorite activity to lead is probably the guided hiking meditation because it’s a great way to have some intentional time outdoors, especially in the warm weather,” Schultze said.
These guided walks are not only recreational, but they also connect directly to her academic life through double-majoring in environmental studies and political science.
“The forest walks are also important to me because one of my goals is pursuing environmental law and advocacy,” she said. “I recognize what an incredible privilege it is to have such beautiful and healthy outdoor spaces, but this is certainly not the case everywhere or for everyone, even though it should be.”
Schultze’s job at the Chapel House has also shaped her sense of how to engage with her peers deliberately. As a space that is both flexible and adaptive to student needs, this adaptability is central to both the house and the University’s mission.
“I’m most proud of how hard Chapel House works to be an accessible space for all students by running free events that encourage students to step outside their usual routines and devote some time to themselves, personal reflection and growth,” Schultze said.
Overall, Schultze hopes that Chapel House continues to remain a resource that is there for every member on campus at all times.
“We just hope to keep expanding our outreach and serving as a resource and place of connection for as many people within this community as possible,” she said.
Schultze has been dedicated these past four years to upholding Chapel House’s duty as a retreat on campus. She has been able to nurture her personal well-being while also being a shoulder to lean on through her job. She has been able to sustain Chapel House’s warmth and tranquility, making it a welcoming space for all students.
