Friday, February 26, 2010
Hope for Haiti
The Hope for Haiti carnival went very smoothly last night. All the clubs showed up (or let me know in advance that they couldn't make it). Everyone was on time, and everyone was really helpful with setup. Eveyone tried everyone else's activities and seemed to have fun. I'm so glad it went well! We had students and a couple professors with their kids. Michelet was great in talking to us about Haiti and answering everyone's questions, and everyone was really respectful while he spoke. It was so great to see how supportive everyone was of both the cause and of our classmate. I'm definitely proud to be part of such a caring student body.
Monday, February 22, 2010
We're all grown up now; there's nothing stopping us from changing the world.
Graduation is less than three months away, and I still haven't quite pinpointed what it means to be Lasallian.
I have a general understanding, but I still have trouble explaining the idea in words. Therefore, I do not know it all that well.
I know that community is an important component, and I have definitely found community at Saint Mary's. Each club/organization I am involved in is its own little community, and we're all a part of the greater community, which is especially evident when these clubs work together. I'm very excited that other clubs are so happy to participate in the Hope for Haiti carnival this Thursday. I hope we have a good turnout. It's so important to me that we have a fundraiser for Haiti that really brings the students together. I think it's important for us students to realize we can step up and make a difference. We're all grown up now; there's nothing stopping us from changing the world.
Community within the classroom is important too. I love how collaborative class discussions are. We all help each other understand concepts and think through ideas. The professors are so willing to help too. I can talk to many of my professors as if they were my friends, and I know they actually care about my life and what I'm going to do when I leave here in May.
I know service is a key component. As a volunteer mentor, I better know that for sure. I never realized how much of an impact volunteering makes not only on those you help, but on yourself. I have not been the same since I first volunteered with flood relief or since my freshman year Thanksgiving trip to Biloxi, Mississippi to help with Hurricane Katrina relief. Every single time I volunteer now, whether I'm sheetrocking, stocking the food shelf, or washing lockers, I feel so renewed. Each trip is a brand new experience. I constantly meet new people and learn more about the world... even within the limits of little old Winona. I don't think I've ever heard a SMU volunteer complain, and I've worked with some less-than-ideal volunteer opportunities. Even if it's cold and rainy or I'm sore and tired, I always walk away happy and grateful, and I can see in their faces that the other SMU volunteers do too. It's a great way to find a place in the world and a great way to see God's love (and how we can share that love with others). Service is definitely important to the Lasallian mission of the university.
Faith is almost too obvious. It's not just sitting and praying though. It's living in faith. Part of this comes with the love of a community or with service, but I feel like it's much bigger than that. This is one of those things I haven't quite grasped yet, but I feel closer than ever.
Living Lasallian is obviously a big deal. The entire mission of the university is centered around it, and it is constantly mentioned. I will figure it out - at least the significance of it in my life. I may not get it all before I graduate, but I guess that will just help me carry it on long after.
I have a general understanding, but I still have trouble explaining the idea in words. Therefore, I do not know it all that well.
I know that community is an important component, and I have definitely found community at Saint Mary's. Each club/organization I am involved in is its own little community, and we're all a part of the greater community, which is especially evident when these clubs work together. I'm very excited that other clubs are so happy to participate in the Hope for Haiti carnival this Thursday. I hope we have a good turnout. It's so important to me that we have a fundraiser for Haiti that really brings the students together. I think it's important for us students to realize we can step up and make a difference. We're all grown up now; there's nothing stopping us from changing the world.
Community within the classroom is important too. I love how collaborative class discussions are. We all help each other understand concepts and think through ideas. The professors are so willing to help too. I can talk to many of my professors as if they were my friends, and I know they actually care about my life and what I'm going to do when I leave here in May.
I know service is a key component. As a volunteer mentor, I better know that for sure. I never realized how much of an impact volunteering makes not only on those you help, but on yourself. I have not been the same since I first volunteered with flood relief or since my freshman year Thanksgiving trip to Biloxi, Mississippi to help with Hurricane Katrina relief. Every single time I volunteer now, whether I'm sheetrocking, stocking the food shelf, or washing lockers, I feel so renewed. Each trip is a brand new experience. I constantly meet new people and learn more about the world... even within the limits of little old Winona. I don't think I've ever heard a SMU volunteer complain, and I've worked with some less-than-ideal volunteer opportunities. Even if it's cold and rainy or I'm sore and tired, I always walk away happy and grateful, and I can see in their faces that the other SMU volunteers do too. It's a great way to find a place in the world and a great way to see God's love (and how we can share that love with others). Service is definitely important to the Lasallian mission of the university.
Faith is almost too obvious. It's not just sitting and praying though. It's living in faith. Part of this comes with the love of a community or with service, but I feel like it's much bigger than that. This is one of those things I haven't quite grasped yet, but I feel closer than ever.
Living Lasallian is obviously a big deal. The entire mission of the university is centered around it, and it is constantly mentioned. I will figure it out - at least the significance of it in my life. I may not get it all before I graduate, but I guess that will just help me carry it on long after.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
TEC
I've always loved TEC retreats at SMU, but this year's was especially amazing. I loved leading the retreat and getting to meet so many great new people. The TECites were about as good as you could ask for, and the team was cooperative and energetic.
TEC is definitely going to be one of the things I miss most when I graduate.
I got a chance to talk to three freshmen who have worked other TECs before, and it made me realize how special TEC is at Saint Mary's University. It has such a great Lasallian element to it. The whole retreat is still centered around the Paschal Mystery, but it's also very focused on community and being there to serve one another. Being a part of the TEC community is like being a part of the SMU community as a whole, but on an even more intimate scale.
I still can't believe this was my last TEC retreat. :(
TEC is definitely going to be one of the things I miss most when I graduate.
I got a chance to talk to three freshmen who have worked other TECs before, and it made me realize how special TEC is at Saint Mary's University. It has such a great Lasallian element to it. The whole retreat is still centered around the Paschal Mystery, but it's also very focused on community and being there to serve one another. Being a part of the TEC community is like being a part of the SMU community as a whole, but on an even more intimate scale.
I still can't believe this was my last TEC retreat. :(
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