Faith & Lasallian Mission: Living and working with the Brothers has helped us increase our faith. We become stronger messengers in carrying out the Mission. The lessons we have learned from the Brothers cover all aspects of life.

LVs share in the Mission wholeheartedly with the Brothers as a supplement to the work they are doing. LVs become almost a brother for the year. They participate in the community and at the sites serving the poor. The LVs do exactly what La Salle called the original Brothers to do: to serve the poor, educationally-deprived students, the marginalized, to give them an education through which to better their lives and their families’ lives. I like that the Brothers are one of a few religious organizations to be welcoming into their Mission/their work so many lay associates. I encourage that to continue. Considering myself Lasallian for going on 10 years, I believe in this.

Building Esteem in Special Moments

“Elena” came to work with me on an English composition. As she wrote, every now and again she would look up and ask a question: “How do you spell this word?” And then she’d keep writing and look up and say, “My boyfriend’s name is David.” Then she kept writing. Then, “We’ve be been dating since Friday” (and it’s Monday)! This went on for about ten minutes. Then, “Mr. Joram, why do Americans hate the Mexicans.” I think she trusted me. I don’t think she really wanted an answer, just to be listened to. We immediately stopped. I had her put her composition aside.

She told me what was going on in her mind: how she walks down the street and people would say stuff to her, how she doesn’t feel comfortable in certain areas. I just listened and didn’t say that much.

The next day we had another conversation. At the end she was happy. I didn’t give her any answers, just a few sentences. At the end she gave me a big hug and said, “You know, Mr. Joram, I’m going to make you an honorary Mexican!”