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Local Teen Elected Spiritual Leader
by Rev. Charles R. Cournyea
Katrina Oldershaw, a Highland High School senior, was recently elected as a spiritual
leader of the West Central Region Association of Unity Churches International Youth of Unity.
Prior to being elected to the regional post, Katrina was the president of the Unity Church of Bakersfield Youth of Unity chapter. 
“The entire congregation is very proud Katrina.  We’ve watched her grow up and blossom into a beautiful, caring and loving person with a real sense of who she is and what she wants to accomplish in life,” said Rev. Chuck Cournyea, senior minister. 
When asked what she hopes to accomplish Katrina replied, “To help other teens find their spiritual identity by using the spiritual principles found in all religions. By working with my fellow leaders to create activities that will be spiritually meaningful and practical to meet the challenges we all face as teenagers.”
At the recent Youth of Unity rally, Katrina was asked to share her personal credo based
on her understanding of the spiritual principles she has incorporated into her life.  She said, “I believe people need a loving environment to flourish and grow; I believe that we need to embrace our ideas, no matter what they are. Ideas are from the divine;  I believe we should not be afraid of change;  I believe that sometimes we need to take down our personal barriers that might prevent us from experiencing "ah-hah!" moments;  I believe we should live in appreciation so that we can be aware of the Spirit/God/Higher Power/ etc.; and I believe that sometimes death can be the best cure.”
Katherine Vargo, Youth of Unity sponsor had this to say about Katerina, “Katrina has a
great understanding of spiritual principles and applying them in her life has been an inspiration for all our teens.”  
When asked how are the teens taught, Katherine replied, “We teach all teens that they are created with sacred worth and value.  We give them spiritual tools, techniques, models and frameworks to use in their daily lives.  It is exciting to watch these young people come into their spirituality and special relationship with the God of their understanding and then teach it to their peers..”
Excited about being apart of a spiritual team that will help change the lives of other teens, Rev. Chuck asked Katerina how was she going to balance her senior year and traveling to meetings every month in Sacramento? 
“I have planned for this moment since my first YOU rally.  I dedicated myself to taking
all the classes I would need to graduate so that my senior year would be light.  Right now, my spiritual path is more important.  I have found that a good spiritual foundation will give me what I will need to accomplish my goals in life, “ said Katrina.
Asked what her one of her goals might be after she ages out of the Youth of Unity.
Katrina, replied, “Become a graphic arts major and lead a Next Generation Unity group at the college.” And she will.

Rev. Chuck Cournyea is the Senior Minister at Unity Church of Bakersfield.