Jason Chesnut

JKM Student Worker of the Month

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Houston, Texas, but moved around 17 times before I hit the age of 17. So, it’s always a hard question.

Where did you go to college?

I went to Texas Lutheran University in the bustling metropolis of Seguin, Texas. Never heard of it? Don’t know how to pronounce it? Join the club.

What brought you to Chicago?

I wanted to go to seminary in an urban environment, and Chicago was about as urban as I could get.

What are your thoughts about the Seminary experience?

It’s surreal and amazing and crazy and scary and beautiful…all at the same time. I have found a community here in which I belong, and I feel at home. It has been incredible.

What do you like about libraries?

I’ve always loved the ambience of libraries. The books, the atmosphere, the solitude. I love being around books and the history that goes with it. Libraries are national resources – it’s great to be a part of one.

Have you traveled much—domestically or abroad?

I have definitely traveled a lot in the continental United States – my dad and mom liked to move…and liked to travel. I have also been privileged to travel and study abroad, in Honduras, Namibia, South Africa, Jordan, Palestine, Italy, and Israel.

Have there been any defining trips for you?

My trip to southern Africa is definitely my watershed experience. It was living there for half a year that defined my passions, my faith, and my love for the world. It opened my eyes to concerns and issues outside of the U.S., and helped me meet some of the most beautiful, compassionate, and welcoming people on the planet. It was an amazing experience, beyond words.

What are your passions?

Social justice, Africa, hand-drumming (specifically the djembe, which comes from West Africa), theology, politics (insert plug for Barack Obama here), photography, cinema, and so on and so forth.

How do you see libraries and seminaries working together in the future? OR, what role do each play in the formation of students, if any?

Libraries and seminaries are indispensable in the life of preparing leaders for the church (in whatever role that may take – M.Div, MA, Th.M, Ph.D, etc…). Libraries – especially JKM – are such a wealth of information, such a deep well of resources. We are so lucky to have JKM here at LSTC and McCormick. Libraries contribute to the academic, spiritual, and theological grounding necessary for a well-rounded experience at seminary.

Other Thoughts?

Anthony and Chad are rockstars. Everyone else in the library is a rockstar. I am blessed to work with such an amazing group of people!