Finding meaning post-graduation: life as a Benedictine Volunteer

Colegio San Antonio Abad (CSAA) has been a really introspective experience so far. With challenges early on in terms of finding meaning, gaining your footing at your site, establishing progress in your routine, and earning the confidence of your students.

Every Benedictine Volunteer goes through early, middle, and late-stage speed bumps that ultimately make you a better driver (aka volunteer). This is my second year in the Benedictine Volunteer Corps, and the time has been nothing short of a positive addition to my resume, filled with life experiences I can look back on with pride and accomplishment. Being in the classroom, coaching, and mentoring high school students has allowed me to fail, succeed, and learn a lot in a very short amount of time—perhaps even more than in some of the most sought-after jobs across the country. Volunteerism is a great option after college and allows you to grow both professionally and personally.

The community at CSAA has been nothing short of welcoming and kind throughout the first two months. Puerto Rican hospitality has made the commitment to this year of service easy, with a balance of peace, prayer life, work as a teacher, and exposure to a beautiful culture. Puerto Rico has been a landing spot that has allowed for growth in new areas of my life that I had not pictured or predicted.

Puerto Rico has a very passionate and loving culture that has allowed me to express my emotions and prioritize kindness and service every day.

Adversity and taking action have allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate. With all that said, I’d like to highlight the importance of hospitality and how my short amount of time here has shaped my hopes for the future. Padre Jaime, who is 89 years old, speaks four languages and reads six. He shows great patience toward non-Spanish speakers and guests of the monastery, and it has been a joy to get to know him better. Padre Jaime’s wisdom has helped me learn more Spanish and appreciate the routine that we as volunteers follow at CSAA.

I’m a second-year volunteer who spent a year in Newark, New Jersey last year teaching and coaching at Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School. I was given the opportunity to extend my time and energy for another year, and I made the leap of faith toward another year of service. The BVC has challenged me to stay true to my commitment and give my all to the school, students, and teachers involved.

I feel that, given my time at CSAA and Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School, I will enter my respective career as someone who holds a unique view of the world—someone who can bring positivity and togetherness into any environment or conversation. In the snap of a finger, I will be somewhere else doing something else, but I know that I will look back on this experience with pride and positivity in the future.