Service Site: Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Minneapolis, MN
College: Saint Mary’s University, Winona, MN
What do you do?
I currently hold multiple positions. I am the Health and Nutrition Coordinator. This entails managing the breakfast and lunch program for students. I am also the health assistant in the nurse’s station attending to students who have medical needs or questions. My other responsibilities include a 10-week long-term substitution for four Spanish classes and advising a weekly after school fitness class.
What is the most important “thing,” do you think, that your students need from you? What do you do to try to provide this?
The most important thing I believe my students need is a positive and supportive environment to encourage them to succeed, not only in the classroom, but in all aspects of their lives. One thing they count on when walking through our school doors is a smile and treatment that ensures they are able to succeed. I serve breakfast and lunch which blesses me as one of the first people they see in the morning. I serve them with a warm welcome and educate them about the smart and healthy choices they can make when it comes to the food we offer.
Also having the health assistant position gives me the opportunity to help the students when they have stomachaches, headaches, fevers and other miscellaneous ailments. I try to get to the root of the problem and gain their trust through individual attention. I believe it’s important for students to receive education concerning their condition(s) and to be informed of the steps they can take on their own to help prevent and take care of themselves in the future. These are important aspects of support that are offered outside of the classroom to build a positive and supportive environment.
How has your involvement with the Brothers affected you?
My involvement with the Brothers has been a wonderful experience. Each Brother has his own unique skills and talents which he is always willing to share. It doesn’t matter whether I have had success in the classroom, or I’m struggling with another particular situation, I feel I am surrounded by a wonderful support system. Times in community are filled with laughs and great company. I consider myself blessed to learn from such amazing and giving men.
Why would you recommend the LV program to a college senior considering volunteering?
I would (and do) strongly recommend any senior considering volunteering to join the Lasallian Volunteers. This program has done more than words can describe for so many individuals. The Lasallian mission is different from that of other programs because it has all components to a successful volunteer experience. The three core values, Faith, Service, and Community are stressed and help develop a strong support system. From my two years experience I can attest that the program does a great job of placing each volunteer at a site that will interest you and utilize your talents to help the school/ agency succeed. Living in community with Brothers and fellow volunteers is a vital element to the volunteer experience. Community helps support your service and focuses on developing the very important value of faith through prayer. Within your service, faith and community, there is a strong support system within the other fifty volunteers and volunteer staff as well.