Twenty-two students embark on the Vocation Trip, which allows them to discover their unique abilities and explore how to employ these skills in their professional fields upon graduation. The group poses while visiting the Arabia Steamboat Museum.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — Twenty-two College of the Ozarks students attended the four-day Vocation Trip, traveling to the Kansas City Metro Area to meet with local business leaders and recent graduates, March 15-18.

The purpose of the Vocation Trip is for students to discover their unique abilities and to teach them how to employ these skills in their professional fields upon graduation. The trip helps students refine their personal mission statement, resumés, and profiles on LinkedIn, while also allowing them to practice their interviewing skills.

During the trip, students attended TED Talks with successful C of O alumni and also visited several businesses and nonprofit organizations across the Kansas City area, including AdventHealth and City Union Mission. As an exciting cultural experience to conclude the trip, the students visited the Arabia Steamboat Museum before returning to campus.

Students from College of the Ozarks dine with local business leader and C of O graduate, David Horensky, and his wife, Tessa, during the recent Vocation Trip. (Pictured from right to left: Rebekah Eatherly, Tessa Horensky, David Horensky, Makenzie Ryerson, and Lemuel Miner.)

Students also met with alumni David Horensky, a 2004 graduate and director of the U.S. General Services Administration, and Megan Botta, a 2025 graduate and former case manager at City Union Mission. Horensky gave students a tour of the Richard Bolling Federal Building, while Botta spoke about the goals of City Union Mission and led worship for the group.

"My decision to participate in the Vocation Trip stems from my personal commitment to the College's mission and a desire to actively contribute to its legacy,” Horensky said. “This trip represents a valuable opportunity for me to give back, not just to the institution that helped shape me, but directly to the next generation of students. The most rewarding aspect was observing the students' increased engagement as we explored their post-college options and diverse career trajectories, helping them consider possibilities they might not have previously identified.”

“The Vocation Trip is such a special opportunity for College of the Ozarks students,” Botta said. “I was able to attend the trip when I was at C of O, and it set me up for success as I entered the work force. It was a privilege to be on the other side of the Vocation Trip, encouraging and guiding students.”

Candace Stark, director of The Vanek Center for Vocation and Callings at College of the Ozarks, played a key role in planning and leading the Vocation Trip.

“The Vocation Trip class consisted of an exceptional group of students,” Stark said. “They were engaged, thoughtful, and a genuine reflection of the College’s values. This group represented College of the Ozarks with grace and character, and it was a joy to be among such outstanding ambassadors. I’m excited to see where God leads them and all that lies ahead in their futures.”

Kevin Gabriel, chief financial officer, gives College of the Ozarks students a tour of City Union Mission, a Christ-centered homeless shelter, during the 2026 Vocation Trip.

“This trip has taught us that our journeys through life, particularly after graduation, are not going to be linear,” the students said in a collective group reflection. “It’s okay not to have just one career path. Plans change because God’s plan is what ultimately matters.”

Savannah Mosher, sophomore psychology major, reflected on the impact the Vocation Trip had on her view of her own vocation and calling.

“Being able to connect with alumni was extremely impactful,” Mosher said. “I heard from several successful individuals who spoke during the trip who were called to perform many unique roles at different times in their lives. The trip greatly changed my understanding of vocation and callings by showing me that I don’t have to have my life all figured out at 20 years old. My path may not look exactly how I envisioned, but God's plan is ultimately better than my own.”

Senior psychology major Trey Osbon echoed his gratitude to attend the trip as he prepares to graduate in May.

“This trip helped prepare me for life after graduation by giving me a better understanding of how to approach decisions about my future,” Osbon said. “It showed me the importance of communication, networking, and building strong relationships, as well as being open to where I’m being called. It also encouraged me to be confident in stepping into new environments and opportunities, knowing that growth often comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone.”