As I packed for my second Lasallian Volunteer Orientation at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, the thoughts running through my head were immensely different from those I had one year ago, when I began my journey as an LV in Brooklyn, NY. I was happy, calm, and excited to see my friends from the year before and to meet the new thirty three first year volunteers. Not to say that last year I was not excited or happy, but I was also nervous and lonesome. The initial feelings of discomfort changed quickly, as I knew the same would happen for those entering the program this year.

LV orientation is intense and busy, but above all, monumentally advantageous for getting fifty-six 2008-2009 volunteers ready for the year ahead. The retreat began with a social at San Miguel Camden community with delicious food and a warm welcome. We continued to get to know one another better the following day as we departed for St. Gabriel’s Hall Ropes Course for ice breakers, team building activities, and games within our set teams. Unfortunately, rain moved in, but it didn’t stop us from breaking into an impromptu game of soccer in the nearby gym where we continued our afternoon activities. By the end of the day, we were laughing together as though we had been friends for years. Reflecting back on our second day, I am truly amazed at how close the LVs came together during this ten day orientation.

The third day began our workshops at LaSalle University. We discussed the meaning of living in and being a part of community, how to work our best at our sites with those we would soon be serving, how to strengthen and explore our prayer lives, how to work with one another, and much more. Each day brought new insight from our staff as well as LV alums, Brothers, and other facilitators who have been working with the LV program for many years. For me, each presenter proposed a new idea to enrich my second year, whether it was for my site or community or simply for the betterment of my heart and mind. In our final workshop, we identified our personality types and then met with our new community members to discuss how to blend our traits and preferences in productive ways. I believe we all were excited for this year together with our new community members, co-workers, and friends.

This orientation proved to me that I made one of my best decisions ever: to return as a second year volunteer. Many reasons lead me to this insight, but I have to say the greatest part about LV Orientation 08-09 was the three hundred and ten Brothers from the Northeast Districts who joined us at LaSalle University for their own conference. There were many opportunities to converse with and thus learn from the Brothers during our stay at LaSalle. These events with the Brothers illustrated so beautifully our unique program: a program in which young people volunteer to not only serve the poor through education, but work and live with the Christian Brothers of Saint John Baptist de LaSalle. Through their wisdom, guidance, and care, the mission that de LaSalle began can only grow and continue through the Lasallian Volunteers.