Peer Profile – Camden Koester

Amidst the chaos of a typical Olivet Football game, Camden Koester stands on the sidelines, viewing the game in a whole different light: behind a camera lens. 

Capturing the Moment

In his junior year of high school, Koester enrolled in the fairly new multimedia program at Kankakee Area Career Center. It was there that he began to love everything multimedia, but he took a special interest in photography. To start, Koester took photos on his phone, figuring out what looked good and what did not. His more specific interest in sports photography lent itself to him buying a traditional camera a few years ago, and more recently, an upgraded, professional camera.

Photography is not only a passion for him, but a livelihood. Koester works for both the ONU Football Media Team and ONU Athletics. Working with these teams has given him more opportunity to develop his photography skill set, while also making meaningful connections with the people he comes across. Getting to photograph a sport he already enjoys watching; while working with a wonderful team, it is easy for him to love what he does. 

Joy in the Unexpected

When applications opened for Resident Assistant (R.A.) positions last year, Koester was not particularly interested. Many months filled with no thoughts of being R.A. passed by, until he received an email in July. The email stated that someone had stepped down from their role as R.A. for Hills Hall for the coming school year and they needed to fill a spot. As Koester found out, the Resident Director of Chapman, Ben Hansen, had actually recommended him for the job after observing his character the previous year. Koester stated that this was, “a huge honor,” to be seen in this way, as being an RA is a role that requires excellence in all fields. Although he did not originally think to apply, being a Resident Assistant has become a great joy in his life and something he excels in. It also fell perfectly into place that his former roommate and close friend of over 15 years, Matthew Howaniec, was also going to be an R.A. in Hills Hall, and they are on the same floor.

“I have nothing negative to say about Camden, he is nothing short of talented when it comes to the things and people he loves,” Howaniec said. “I am so glad to have him in my life and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us in our time here in college and into adulthood.” Amidst the hard work that goes into being on-the-clock all the time, Koester enjoys connecting with his residents and getting to know them on a deeper level. 

Being a Tiger

Community of Faith

Being the son of a Youth for Christ worker and a pastor, faith has always been the foundation in Koester’s life. When looking at colleges, he wanted to make sure wherever he went had a community of Christians that were just passionate about their faith as he was. Olivet has been a place of growth for him, both spiritually and academically. Being in a place that is so driven by faith, Koester has been able to thrive.