Author: khauver

As an intern for the Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning, getting the chance to meet Mr. Joe Donelan ’72, the founder of our office, was an opportunity that I and many of the other interns felt we couldn’t pass up. During the time that I met with Mr. Donelan, he asked what has been most meaningful to me about my involvement in both CBL and the Intern Program and if I had any idea of what I want to do after graduating Holy Cross. He told stories of his passion for involvement in the community and shared guidance on how to continue this engagement in the future. Many of the interns can agree that the CBL Intern Program has greatly impacted not only our involvements on campus but also what we want to pursue post-graduation. This is demonstrated by some of our senior interns, who shared with Mr. Donelan that they recently have been accepted to positions in Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, Peace Corps in Rwanda, and City Year in Boston. Because I am only a sophomore, plans for after graduation seem very distant, but I know they will be here before I know it. As our conversation continued, I told Mr. Donelan that I have been considering sharing life with a L’Arche Community post-graduation. Talking with and listening to Mr. Donelan was a refreshing reminder of some of the goals of our office, and was greatly appreciated by all of the interns. Furthermore, on behalf of the entire CBL office, I would like to thank Mr. Donelan for his extremely generous donation that has allowed for our office to exist! We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to Holy Cross, our student body, and the city of Worcester.

On Wednesday, April 18th, we had the opportunity to bring community partners to campus for a reception to thank them for all that they do to welcome, support, and co-educate Holy Cross students engaging in experiential learning. This event was co-hosted by the Teacher Education Program, Government and Community Relations, and SPUD. CBL Intern, Clare Orie ’19 had the opportunity to share words of gratitude with the folks in attendance. Below is her speech. Thank you to all of our community partners for making CBL not only possible, but a meaningful and engaging experience.

I’d like to first thank all of our community partners, who have kindly and generously opened their arms to Holy Cross students everyday. I believe I speak for many when I say that I have grown immensely – spiritually, academically, and personally – through engaging with your organizations.  Mornings spent in Ascentria’s ESL Classrooms and in AVID classes in Worcester public schools and evenings at the Marie Anne Center have unwaveringly led me to build more meaningful relationships with so many in the Worcester community, year after year, and this has entirely to do with your welcoming spirit and encouragement. Thank you.

Mary Oliver, one of my favorite poets, reminds us: “That’s the big question, the one the world throws at us every morning: “Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?”” .  I’d like to say that my community engagement experiences, notably through Community-Based Learning, have helped me learn how to answer that question. CBL has encouraged me to thoughtfully and critically reflect on how to engage in our community and our world.  It has taught me that genuine cultural exchange is not an extractive engagement: it is an opening of heart to the entirety of another’s reality and way of life, and a vowing to never close it.

My experience with Ascentria provides an example of how this opening of heart can occur through community engagement. Through Ascentria’s Services for New Americans program, I had the privilege to serve as an English teacher’s aide in a classroom of recently arrived refugees. As the room was filled with adults from around the world, all speaking many different languages, communication in the conventional meaning was rather difficult. Yet, every Monday morning, community happened away. The hugs given, the hands on backs, and the laughs ensuing from trying to explain words in different languages all taught me that in a room where barely any words are comprehensibly exchanged and understood, mutual vulnerability and togetherness fundamentally connect us all. I leave my four years here smiling at the pieces of ripped paper with addresses in Cameroon, Somalia, and Vietnam, from students who tell me I have another family with their families, and feel very grateful.

Through opening your doors to Holy Cross students, myself included, you have invited me to put faces and names to complex global realities. The many mornings, afternoons, and evenings spent at your organizations have taught me that community-identified needs and meaningful engagement are reciprocal in value and benefit. These experiences have truly lead to me recognize the legitimacy and necessity of contributing thoughtfully to the future of others.  I have been truly touched by the power of love and connectedness, and I will continue to pursue the works of such to confront that which denies human wellbeing and solidarity to so many in our world.

Father Greg Boyle, S.J. tells us that “The strategy of Jesus is not centered in taking the right stand on issues, but rather in standing in the right place” – in, perhaps, kindergarten classrooms, with residents in health care facilities, in sharing a community meal, or in ESL classrooms. On behalf of all Holy Cross students that participate in community engagement with your organizations, I want to thank you for welcoming us to stand alongside you in the right place. Thank you.

On Wednesday, April 18th, we had the opportunity to bring community partners to campus for a reception to thank them for all that they do to welcome, support, and co-educate Holy Cross students engaging in experiential learning. This event was co-hosted by the Teacher Education Program, Government and Community Relations, and SPUD. CBL Intern, Clare Orie ’19 had the opportunity to share words of gratitude with the folks in attendance. Below is her speech. Thank you to all of our community partners for making CBL not only possible, but a meaningful and engaging experience.

I’d like to first thank all of our community partners, who have kindly and generously opened their arms to Holy Cross students everyday. I believe I speak for many when I say that I have grown immensely – spiritually, academically, and personally – through engaging with your organizations.  Mornings spent in Ascentria’s ESL Classrooms and in AVID classes in Worcester public schools and evenings at the Marie Anne Center have unwaveringly led me to build more meaningful relationships with so many in the Worcester community, year after year, and this has entirely to do with your welcoming spirit and encouragement. Thank you.

Mary Oliver, one of my favorite poets, reminds us: “That’s the big question, the one the world throws at us every morning: “Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?”” .  I’d like to say that my community engagement experiences, notably through Community-Based Learning, have helped me learn how to answer that question. CBL has encouraged me to thoughtfully and critically reflect on how to engage in our community and our world.  It has taught me that genuine cultural exchange is not an extractive engagement: it is an opening of heart to the entirety of another’s reality and way of life, and a vowing to never close it.

My experience with Ascentria provides an example of how this opening of heart can occur through community engagement. Through Ascentria’s Services for New Americans program, I had the privilege to serve as an English teacher’s aide in a classroom of recently arrived refugees. As the room was filled with adults from around the world, all speaking many different languages, communication in the conventional meaning was rather difficult. Yet, every Monday morning, community happened away. The hugs given, the hands on backs, and the laughs ensuing from trying to explain words in different languages all taught me that in a room where barely any words are comprehensibly exchanged and understood, mutual vulnerability and togetherness fundamentally connect us all. I leave my four years here smiling at the pieces of ripped paper with addresses in Cameroon, Somalia, and Vietnam, from students who tell me I have another family with their families, and feel very grateful.

Through opening your doors to Holy Cross students, myself included, you have invited me to put faces and names to complex global realities. The many mornings, afternoons, and evenings spent at your organizations have taught me that community-identified needs and meaningful engagement are reciprocal in value and benefit. These experiences have truly lead to me recognize the legitimacy and necessity of contributing thoughtfully to the future of others.  I have been truly touched by the power of love and connectedness, and I will continue to pursue the works of such to confront that which denies human wellbeing and solidarity to so many in our world.

Father Greg Boyle, S.J. tells us that “The strategy of Jesus is not centered in taking the right stand on issues, but rather in standing in the right place” – in, perhaps, kindergarten classrooms, with residents in health care facilities, in sharing a community meal, or in ESL classrooms. On behalf of all Holy Cross students that participate in community engagement with your organizations, I want to thank you for welcoming us to stand alongside you in the right place. Thank you.

This is my second semester as a CBL intern, and the experience has been unbelievably amazing so far. Working in the office has help me develop many different skills that I can apply in my day to day life, but the most important one is developing meaningful relationship with community members while being aware of my privilege. This specific trait was very important throughout the week of Spring break.

I spent the week in Wheeling, West Virginia where my group and I volunteered at the soup kitchen. Our main goal was to develop relationships with the patrons who attend the soup kitchen daily. However, they explicitly told us that we were not there to be “tourists of poverty” but to be part of the community for a week. That really got me thinking, and it made me realize that is what we do in CBL.

Although I was worried I was not going to be able to connect with anyone at first, thinking about my past CBL sites made the process easier. By the end of the week, I knew most of the patrons at the soup kitchen. However, one of these patrons stood out. His name is Dale and he shared with us how he gets through the week in a positive manner:

“When you’re down-n-out think positive:

• Monday: Marvelous
• Tuesday: Terrific
• Wednesday: Wonderful
• Thursday: Thankful
• Friday: Fantastic
• Saturday: Sensational
• Sunday: Satisfied – made it through the week”

Once he said that I knew we all had an irreplaceable relationship with him, one that I couldn’t have had without the valuable skills CBL has taught me. I will forever be grateful for being part of the CBL community.

ITALIANI A WEST BOYLSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

It is amazing how many interesting people my students and I met this semester! Yesterday I have been honored to visit the Circolo Italiano in West Boylston, few minutes away from Worcester. A considerable number of Italians gathers in the local library on Saturday to speak and nurture their language, traditions and culture. Some of them arrived to the U.S decades ago from Basilicata, Rome, Naples, some are Dante’s readers and lovers, other art professors. Each of them has a story to share. They welcomed us and offered coffee and cookies. Isabel Marinus does a great job coordinating everybody and organizing the activities.

Yesterday we discussed the writer Dacia Maraini in Italian. Time flew by. We all can’t wait to return to West Boylston again and continuing the conversation right where we left off.”For on that is the mind fed wherein it is gladdened”, Saint Augustine, Confessions, book XIII.

With just two weeks to go, the deadline (3/12/18) for the CBL intern application is approaching quickly.  Take a look at the CBL Intern webpage on the Donelan Office website to see specific responsibilities and qualifications for the CBL internship position.  If you have looked there and still want to know a bit more, here are a few things to think about if you are still on the fence, working on your application, or have already submitted it:

Should I apply?

The CBL intern role is a unique experience of campus leadership, community development and personal growth.  CBL interns have a variety of responsibilities, allowing students with many different interests to grow and to serve in diverse ways.  As an intern, in addition to staying connected to a CBL site in Worcester, you can expect to lead discussions and reflections with current CBL students, to hold office hours and assist the Donelan Office staff with different tasks that may come up, to work on marketing for the Donelan office, organize events, and/or to help coordinate the Non-Profit Careers Conference and more. So, there is plenty of room for creativity and a diversity of talents and interests. While different interns’ responsibilities may vary, there are some consistent aspects of the role that you should consider when deciding whether or not to apply.

While discerning whether or not this might be a good role for you:

• Think about your leadership skills and style (What skills do I have? What skills do I want to build?)
• Think about your time commitment (Being an intern is a serious commitment and you want to be reasonable about your other commitments so as not to stretch yourself too thin and rob yourself of the depth available to you and to others in your experiences and relationships)
• Think about how you work in group settings (Much of the work interns do is done collaboratively with other interns, Michelle and Isabelle, community partners, professors, etc. What role do I play in group settings? Do I work well with others? Is that something I tend to find particularly challenging?)
• Think about why CBL (There are many opportunities for student leadership on campus, what about CBL specifically interests or excites you?)
• Think about what experiences thus far have prepared you for or led you to this position (What CBL courses have you taken? What have they meant to you? Have you had other related experiences? What have those meant to you?)
• Think about other experiences that you have had in class or in CBL (What have been your favorite classes? What have been the most challenging questions you have faced? What excites you or frustrates you about your CBL or other community engagement experience?)
• Think about how you wish to grow as a student and a person over the next year or several years (What role would being a CBL intern play in this, especially in relation to my other interests, goals, passions, etc.?)
• Think about your relationship to the Worcester community (Being a CBL intern allows you to engage in a unique way with the Worcester community. How do you see your role in relation to and/or as a part of the Worcester community? What would like that relationship/role to look like?).

Come by the office or reach out to any of the current interns to discuss the application process.  We love talking with CBL students or other students interested in this work. So, please reach out to any of us to talk about the process, our roles now or any other questions you might have.  The current interns have office hours throughout the week which are posted on Isabelle’s door (Smith 334), so come by and see us!

What is the process like?

Application Due March 12: First, you will complete the application which is available here (https://www.holycross.edu/engaged-learning/donelan-office-community-based-learning/community-based-learning-students/communi-0).  It is extremely important that you take time to reflect and to thoughtfully complete the application questions. Donelan Office staff and interns want to be able to see that you have put time and careful attention into your application. Also, make sure your resume is up to date and all of your relevant experiences are highlighted (even think about stopping by Career Development to review your resume if you have not yet done so). It can be stressful to reflect and to have to write responses to questions like those on the application in the middle of midterms, spring break, etc.  So, ask a trusted friend or professor to look over your application to tell you their thoughts before you submit it; or, bring it into the Writer’s Workshop.  Do not be afraid to use the resources available to you to support you and to help ease that stress a little bit!

Interviews (March 26^th -April4^th): After submitting the written application, you will hear back from the office whether or not you will be interviewed for the position.  Please, remember that there are often many more qualified applications than there are open spaces.  If you are not selected for an interview, it does not mean you are not qualified. Do not forget that there are still many ways for you to continue to be involved on campus and in the community and you can feel free to stop by the office or reach out to other faculty and student leaders on campus to discuss those opportunities.

If you are selected for an interview, know that that itself is an accomplishment. You will receive an email to schedule an interview with the office.  When you arrive for your interview, you will meet briefly with Michelle Sterk Barrett, the Director of the Donelan Office, and then you will meet with Isabelle Jenkins, the Associate Director of the Donelan Office, and one to two current CBL interns. Be prepared to discuss your application and to articulate once again why you would like to be a CBL intern and how you feel you would contribute to the program.

Interviewing can be intimidating, but this is an important part of the process and also a really amazing opportunity to hone your interview skills for future interviews you may have to do.  Most importantly, be authentic and thoughtful in your answers.  During the interview, the staff and interns are trying to get to know you better, so it is important to be professional and to take the time seriously, but take comfort in knowing that you mostly need to be yourself in that time.

Decisions (to be announced by April 18th): After the interviews are completed, the Donelan Office Staff and current interns will read through the application materials from each of the candidates and make final decisions as a group. After that, all candidates will be notified with decision letters (sent via email and campus mail). Once again, if you are not selected, it can be difficult not to be discouraged, but please know that going through the entire process proves a great deal about your abilities and qualifications.  You can apply again in the future if you are not a rising senior.  Additionally, there are other incredible opportunities to get involved with social justice, community engagement, and non-profit contacts on campus. Continue to take courses that excite you and enable you to engage these questions; and, take advantage of opportunities on and off campus to continue to grow and to challenge yourself.

With just two weeks to go, the deadline (3/12/18) for the CBL intern application is approaching quickly.  Take a look at the CBL Intern webpage on the Donelan Office website to see specific responsibilities and qualifications for the CBL internship position.  If you have looked there and still want to know a bit more, here are a few things to think about if you are still on the fence, working on your application, or have already submitted it:

Should I apply?

The CBL intern role is a unique experience of campus leadership, community development and personal growth.  CBL interns have a variety of responsibilities, allowing students with many different interests to grow and to serve in diverse ways.  As an intern, in addition to staying connected to a CBL site in Worcester, you can expect to lead discussions and reflections with current CBL students, to hold office hours and assist the Donelan Office staff with different tasks that may come up, to work on marketing for the Donelan office, organize events, and/or to help coordinate the Non-Profit Careers Conference and more. So, there is plenty of room for creativity and a diversity of talents and interests. While different interns’ responsibilities may vary, there are some consistent aspects of the role that you should consider when deciding whether or not to apply.

While discerning whether or not this might be a good role for you:

• Think about your leadership skills and style (What skills do I have? What skills do I want to build?)
• Think about your time commitment (Being an intern is a serious commitment and you want to be reasonable about your other commitments so as not to stretch yourself too thin and rob yourself of the depth available to you and to others in your experiences and relationships)
• Think about how you work in group settings (Much of the work interns do is done collaboratively with other interns, Michelle and Isabelle, community partners, professors, etc. What role do I play in group settings? Do I work well with others? Is that something I tend to find particularly challenging?)
• Think about why CBL (There are many opportunities for student leadership on campus, what about CBL specifically interests or excites you?)
• Think about what experiences thus far have prepared you for or led you to this position (What CBL courses have you taken? What have they meant to you? Have you had other related experiences? What have those meant to you?)
• Think about other experiences that you have had in class or in CBL (What have been your favorite classes? What have been the most challenging questions you have faced? What excites you or frustrates you about your CBL or other community engagement experience?)
• Think about how you wish to grow as a student and a person over the next year or several years (What role would being a CBL intern play in this, especially in relation to my other interests, goals, passions, etc.?)
• Think about your relationship to the Worcester community (Being a CBL intern allows you to engage in a unique way with the Worcester community. How do you see your role in relation to and/or as a part of the Worcester community? What would like that relationship/role to look like?).

Come by the office or reach out to any of the current interns to discuss the application process.  We love talking with CBL students or other students interested in this work. So, please reach out to any of us to talk about the process, our roles now or any other questions you might have.  The current interns have office hours throughout the week which are posted on Isabelle’s door (Smith 334), so come by and see us!

What is the process like?

Application Due March 12: First, you will complete the application which is available here (https://www.holycross.edu/engaged-learning/donelan-office-community-based-learning/community-based-learning-students/communi-0).  It is extremely important that you take time to reflect and to thoughtfully complete the application questions. Donelan Office staff and interns want to be able to see that you have put time and careful attention into your application. Also, make sure your resume is up to date and all of your relevant experiences are highlighted (even think about stopping by Career Development to review your resume if you have not yet done so). It can be stressful to reflect and to have to write responses to questions like those on the application in the middle of midterms, spring break, etc.  So, ask a trusted friend or professor to look over your application to tell you their thoughts before you submit it; or, bring it into the Writer’s Workshop.  Do not be afraid to use the resources available to you to support you and to help ease that stress a little bit!

Interviews (March 26^th -April4^th): After submitting the written application, you will hear back from the office whether or not you will be interviewed for the position.  Please, remember that there are often many more qualified applications than there are open spaces.  If you are not selected for an interview, it does not mean you are not qualified. Do not forget that there are still many ways for you to continue to be involved on campus and in the community and you can feel free to stop by the office or reach out to other faculty and student leaders on campus to discuss those opportunities.

If you are selected for an interview, know that that itself is an accomplishment. You will receive an email to schedule an interview with the office.  When you arrive for your interview, you will meet briefly with Michelle Sterk Barrett, the Director of the Donelan Office, and then you will meet with Isabelle Jenkins, the Associate Director of the Donelan Office, and one to two current CBL interns. Be prepared to discuss your application and to articulate once again why you would like to be a CBL intern and how you feel you would contribute to the program.

Interviewing can be intimidating, but this is an important part of the process and also a really amazing opportunity to hone your interview skills for future interviews you may have to do.  Most importantly, be authentic and thoughtful in your answers.  During the interview, the staff and interns are trying to get to know you better, so it is important to be professional and to take the time seriously, but take comfort in knowing that you mostly need to be yourself in that time.

Decisions (to be announced by April 18th): After the interviews are completed, the Donelan Office Staff and current interns will read through the application materials from each of the candidates and make final decisions as a group. After that, all candidates will be notified with decision letters (sent via email and campus mail). Once again, if you are not selected, it can be difficult not to be discouraged, but please know that going through the entire process proves a great deal about your abilities and qualifications.  You can apply again in the future if you are not a rising senior.  Additionally, there are other incredible opportunities to get involved with social justice, community engagement, and non-profit contacts on campus. Continue to take courses that excite you and enable you to engage these questions; and, take advantage of opportunities on and off campus to continue to grow and to challenge yourself.

This past month, I attended the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, DC organized by the USCCB. I attended as part of the Young Leader’s Initiative program along with about 100 other students from various colleges and universities. I was deeply challenged by many of the speakers, who helped me to identify and accept my own indifference towards the challenges of racism, climate change, and unjust immigration policies. Unfortunately, I have often shied away from fully owning up to this indifference because it always made me feel too guilty. However, I felt God encouraging me to accept this guilt in a healthy manner. As part of a global catholic community, I share in the joys as well as the sufferings of others, whether or not I am directly responsible for their occurrence. I walked away from this conference knowing that I don’t have to dwell on my indifference, but continue to take small steps forward each day towards a solution. My next right step is going to be to continue learning about issues that face not only our global, but local Worcester and Holy Cross community.

This CBL office has been a place at Holy Cross where I have been able to encounter others and their life stories that challenge me and encourage me to reflect on my own ways of living. This past year, I have witnessed the urgency of other CBL Interns in advocating for Dreamers and those directly affected by immigration policies. I have been drawn towards advocating for issues like food justice, and to continue to support Catholic Charities Worcester County. While it is easy to assume or at least ignore the fact that food security, nutrition, and cultural sensitivity in relation to food is not a concern for students, staff, and Worcester community members, it is a challenge that many people face daily. On days when I can get lost in my own academic bubble, I am inspired by my peers who take the time to simply notice and act on the needs of others. This was especially evident in my Leadership and Social Change course last semester, which resulted in many incredible projects like a college-accessible food pantry, a book drive for children in Worcester, and a program that paired college students with high schoolers needing to complete credits. The CSMG conference reminded me that I have a community in the CBL office, where I can continue to take this next right step in learning about the life experiences of others.