Two university students are helping younger generations to discover a fresh perspective on the life and impact of Ellen White.
Megan Skene and Zoe Cochrane, both third-generation Adventists, have a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for Sister White, but that wasn’t always the case. Growing up, they perceived Sister White as a distant historical figure placed on a pedestal by many Adventists. As a result, they found it challenging to connect with her.
Their attitudes changed after joining the Adventist Heritage Centre team last year and getting to know Sister White as a woman who went above and beyond to help her local community during her years living in Cooranbong, Australia.
“I learned about what she did for the community, and for me, actions speak louder than words,” said Skene, a psychology student at the University of Newcastle. “She was constantly going out and helping people. She was known as the ‘buggy woman’ in Cooranbong because she would go around on her one-horse buggy and constantly give food and clothing to people.”
Skene continued, “Her writings are really important, but I feel we should also focus on how she helped people in the community.”
As tour guides for Sunnyside, Sister White’s former residence in Cooranbong, Skene and Cochrane are excited to share their discoveries with younger generations. Through an engaging, educational program, they have already welcomed five school groups this year. Students not only receive a guided tour of the historic home and grounds but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the 1800s by dressing up in period clothing and participating in activities like making damper (Australian soda bread), using an old washboard, churning butter, and playing traditional games.
“It’s making history come alive, and the kids just get so excited to learn about everything,” Skene said.
Moreover, the tours can provide opportunities to discuss spiritual themes. “In one room, there’s a painting of Jesus on a wall, and a student recently pointed up at the painting and asked, ‘Who is that?’” Miss Skene recalled. “So it opens up conversations [beyond history], which is awesome.”
Cochrane, a secondary education student at Avondale University, is enjoying introducing the children to Sister White’s stories and achievements. “Presenting her as a real-life person who was friends with people in the community and did things just like they do has been a real eye-opener for a lot of them, but an eye-opener for me as well,” she said. “I think it would have made Ellen White so happy to have laughter and light in her house again.”
Skene believes they are helping to reshape public perception of Sister White. “Even I’m viewing her in a different and better light,” she said. “I love how the tours are making Ellen White and Adventist history more fun and engaging for people, and it’s bringing it to life. And people are finding new ways to connect with Ellen and Adventist history and learning more about their identity.”
The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Record website.