“Compass the City” 2025 begins!
We started the work of distributing sample copies of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly on Tuesday, May 27. We’ll get to know our outreach workers this summer through outreach reports and visits to Christian Science Reading Rooms throughout the Seattle region.
Acadia Vance, Lusho Hambiliki, and Frashia Njenga head out to canvass the U-District in Seattle
From Frashia Njenga
My name is Frashia Njenga, and I’m a junior at Principia College, double majoring in Business Administration and Economics. I flew from Illinois to Seattle for this internship because I believe that knowledge is power and information is power—and I love being someone who helps bridge the gap between valuable information and the people who need it. I'm especially interested in marketing and how impactful messaging can shape perceptions, drive engagement, and inspire action. I’m excited to grow both professionally and personally while contributing to a mission that aligns with my values.
Today marked my first day distributing The Christian Science Monitor Weekly, and it couldn’t have been a better start. We began with a thorough orientation from our supervisor, Cindy Safronoff. Her deep knowledge and clear passion for the Monitor made the training feel not just informative, but truly motivating.
After the session, we headed out for our first walk with Lusho Hambiliki, an experienced outreach worker who joined us to help ease us into the experience. Thanks to her guidance and teamwork, we were able to hand out 43 copies of the Monitor—and even got someone to accept a gift subscription! It was exciting to see people take real interest in what the Monitor has to offer.
The area we visited was full of personality—lined with food shops, cozy bookstores, barber shops, and even a quirky little record store that drew us in with its retro charm. One unexpected highlight? A small fish and turtle pond nestled near one of the shops. It was a peaceful surprise in the middle of the hustle and bustle, and added a little serenity to the day.
It was a great first step into this role, and I’m looking forward to discovering more—both in the city and in the conversations we’ll be having with people along the way
From Acadia Vance:
Hello! My name is Acadia Vance and I’m from St. Louis, Missouri. I am a senior at Principia College majoring in English. I enjoy reading, writing, drawing and watercolor painting. Currently serving as a Monitor outreach intern, I am hoping to deepen my skills in confident communication and public engagement.
Today marked the first official day of the internship, and we stayed close to home base in the University District. Our goal was to distribute 50 copies of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly, and we managed to hand out 43 and a free subscription, which I think is a strong start! We covered all the nearby shops and restaurants around Third Church and the Reading Room in about half an hour, which felt like a success for our first time out.
When we approached the first barber shop, I stumbled a bit over my words. It was a little nerve-wracking trying to explain what we are doing clearly and confidently, but by the last place we visited, I noticed how much more naturally the words came. I was getting the rhythm of what to say and how to say it. That small bit of progress really felt encouraging to me.
One of the biggest things that I learned today is how much confidence matters – not just in what I say, but also in how I carry myself. Speaking with people, especially strangers, requires a certain grounded presence that I’m hoping to build throughout the summer. I’m excited to keep practicing and to see how I grow in both communication and connection as the internship continues.