Service Site: Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis, MN
Monique Cruz
University: Lewis University
What do you do?
I am a campus minister, writing lab coordinator, girls volleyball coach, and girls basketball coach.
What is a way you have been changed by a relationship you’ve had in your volunteer experience?
In my volunteer experience, I have been given the opportunity to build a relationship with my Campus Ministry Coordinator and professional mentor, Colleen Smith. Working with Mrs. Smith has been a blessing and has offered great support to me as a Lasallian Volunteer in my community. By working with with Mrs. Smith, I have seen myself grow and change into a person I wish to be. In admiring the way she interacts with the students with such care and love, I have learned to value each student and to be a mentor, an opening ear, to any student who passes through the office. From this I have gained great respectful relationships with students, something I thought I would struggle with. Along with growing into a mentor, Mrs. Smith is teaching me to be a force by providing for me different opportunities to lead. With her being the mega force she supports and offers to students various activities that take time and work.
Monique and Mrs. Smith
Through all our activities that take place, we never truly know what to expect and what the day has in store for us in Campus Ministry. Sometimes it gets chaotic, but the best thing is that Mrs. Smith does all things, chaotic or not, with great patience and laughter. Through this, I have learned how to be flexible in jumping from one activity to the next with success and laughter in mind. So with great relationships and smiles, I am thankful to be a part of Lasallian Volunteers and to have been impacted by Mrs. Smith.
How has your involvement with the De La Salle Christian Brothers affected you?
I consider myself lucky to be given the opportunity to experience living with five Brothers. It makes being a Lasallian Volunteer that much better. Each of the Brothers I live with have very different personalities, but they are all alike in that they put their most care and support to all four young LVs in the community. Recognizing and knowing that I have their support has given me more motivation to continue to strive and serve to the best of my abilities. Sharing dinner and prayer together is also something to look forward to. Their sense of humor at the dinner table and their dedication and openness to different styles of prayer shared in the community, makes coming home after long day relaxing. Overall, living with the Brothers has given me a chance to listen and learn their journeys dedicating one’s life to the world of education and faith, something that I wish to fulfill in my life.
Coach Cruz
Which of the core values (Faith, Community, Service) is most important to you?
The core value of service is important to me. Growing up I was taught the importance of giving a helping hand to those around me. It is a gift to be able to serve others. So many opportunities have been given to me, and I am lucky enough to be given the chance to share what I have to my communities and to my world. The core value of service and specifically service through education is the reason why I decided to be a Lasallian Volunteer. I have been blessed with a great catholic education from grammar school to college. With my blessings and experiences in gaining a great education, I desire to take a step back and serve those in need of receiving an education. Education is an important tool in life and it brings me great joy knowing that through serving as a Lasallian Volunteer I am making an impact.
How would you like to continue your involvement with the Lasallian family after your time with Lasallian Volunteers?
Minneapolis LVs
Lasallian Volunteers is a family that one would not want to walk away from. After my time of serving as a Lasallian Volunteer, I wish to be an active alum and mentor to future Lasallian Volunteers. I have been given such a great welcome and support from LV alums, and I would like to return the favor in the future. I also would like to contribute to the work done on retreats for Lasallian Volunteers, since that too offers great support.