I learned a lot in college – that I have zero aptitude for writing computer code, that I do not like beer, and that not all mistakes are bad.

I learned that I am worthy of beautiful friendships, that popcorn and lattes are essential food groups, and that dorm walls are very, very thin.   

Then there were the things I never expected to learn, like how to cope with an undiagnosed illness, how to pack for a trip to the ER, (don’t forget your charger!) and the ins and outs of the ICU – like you’re always in bed but you can’t get much sleep because someone is always waking you up to take your vitals or give you medication. 

But what I learned about myself surprised me most of all. 

I graduated from college during one of the most tumultuous times in recent history. Divided by politics. Ravaged by a global pandemic. Unemployed from the resulting economic crisis. Misinformed by bad actors on the internet. Heartbroken over police brutality, inequality, and racism. 

My Jesuit education at Santa Clara University (Go Broncos!) brought to blossom a desire to serve others. I was not expecting to be inspired to seek an opportunity to turn my faith in justice, equity, and kindness into tangible action. But that’s what happened. And that purpose led me to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. 

I am battling a severe autoimmune neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis. It put me in the hospital for 41 days in 2020, most of which in intensive care. 

In the midst of a global and personal crisis, I was searching for meaning and purpose, and an opportunity to make a difference in the world. I found that in JVC.

Through my agency partner placement, JVC is giving me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. I am going to be serving in San Francisco as a Social Services Advocate with The Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco. I am going to help facilitate social and legal services for those who have recently become homeless or where homelessness is imminent. 

My year of service gives me the opportunity to help people in real time. I cannot change laws or culture during my tenure as a JV, but my hope is that the personal and spiritual growth that I will cultivate will equip me to tackle these challenges as a life-long endeavor. 

The most important thing I learned in college? 

The importance of living my life with intention – knowing that every action I take has an impact, and that I should make choices that might make the world a little kinder, more sustainable, and just. I’ll never be perfect, but I do believe that one person can make a difference. Michelle Obama once said, “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”