Making the Most of the Opportunity Moses' Story

Written by our guest writer, Kate Motaung

If you’ve been around The Potter’s House community for any length of time, you’ve likely heard about Class of 2023 student Lezawe Osterink, better known by his friends as Moses. A two-time D4 Cross Country State Champion and Track and Field State Champ for the 1600m run, 3200m run, and 3200m relay, his name gets quite a bit of attention. But those who know him will also tell you there’s so much more to this young man than his speed.

Despite his athletic achievements, his peers testify that one quality they appreciate about Moses is that he doesn’t let his success get to his head. “Other athletes think they’re so great and you can tell, but Moses stays humble. He’s just chill,” said one student in his class.

When asked what he likes most about being a student at The Potter’s House, he replied, “I like being able to know everyone and the personal connection I can have with the students.”

Having attended The Potter’s House since third grade, one teacher who particularly impacted Moses was Mr. Van in fifth grade. “He was a key person in who I am now. He taught me good traits like working hard,” Moses reflected. “He was almost like a father figure to me during a difficult time in my family life.”

Moses and his younger sister were adopted at the same time from Ethiopia when Moses was about to turn three and his sister was nearly two years old. At the time, he only spoke Amharic, a primary language in Ethiopia. During his first two or three months in America, Moses didn’t speak at all. Then one day, like the flip of a switch, he started speaking English.

Just three years ago, Moses and his sister were able to connect online for the first time with some of their biological family members in Ethiopia. Despite the language barrier, Moses could tell that his relatives were so grateful for the opportunities that he and his sister had been given in America, and for the success and accomplishments they had achieved. “I could just see that it made them so happy to know that we are doing well.”

Though he doesn’t remember much of his life in Ethiopia, Moses realizes the opportunities God has given him in Michigan and has determined not to waste them. He hopes his fellow students will do the same, offering this advice to his peers: “Make the most of the opportunities you have as a Potter’s House student. Take advantage of all of the chances you have to make connections with your classmates, teachers, donors, and others within this community.”

One of the meaningful connections Moses has built during his high school career has been with Mr. Koster, his teacher and cross country and track coach. “Mr. Koster cares about running a lot, but that’s just an aftereffect of the fact that he just naturally cares about people. He has taught me the impact of creating a positive environment and what it looks like to be inclusive and accepting of others. He treats everyone the same and gives all the team members the same care and attention, no matter how fast or slow they might be.”

Believe it or not, when Moses was in 9th grade, he didn’t even want to be a runner; he just wanted to stay in shape for basketball season. But God had other plans. Now, with multiple collegiate schools vying for his talents and allegiance, Moses recently committed to attend Michigan State University beginning in the fall of 2023 as a cross country and track athlete. His advice to younger students: “Be open to trying new things. If I hadn’t been open to trying running, I would have missed out on so many opportunities.”

As a Christian student, Moses has appreciated the spiritual input at The Potter’s House, both from organized programs such as chapel as well as the more informal discipleship from staff members. Now that he has a solid foundation, Moses is ready to put his faith to the test at a secular institution. “Part of the reason I chose not to go to a Christian college or university was to be challenged in that area.”

Another aspect of his experience at The Potter’s House that Moses is particularly grateful for has been his friends. “We have a group of really good guys; we’ve been through a lot together. We challenge and push each other, and help each other to be better.”

Recognizing the impact of friend choices for good or bad, Moses encourages his fellow classmates, “Make it a goal to make a strong group of friends. Good guys. Ask yourself, ‘Who do I want to become, and how can I get there?’”

As he looks ahead to closing out his time at The Potter’s House in the spring of 2023, Moses has these words to share: “I would like to thank all of the teachers I’ve had during my time here. All of them have had an impact on me and have helped me figure out who I am.”