Service
One of my passions is being able to help others in need. I have had several amazing opportunities to immerse myself in the poverty of others, and it has really changed my perspective on the purpose and power of business. Here are brief descriptions about those experiences:
Camden, New Jersey – Spring Break 2016
For our Spring Break in 2016, a few students from Temple’s Catholic Newman Center headed across the bridge to Camden, New Jersey, to spend a few days serving with DeSales Service Works. While we were there, we had the opportunity to serve in many different capacities, including helping out at an after school program, packaging lunch bags for the hungry, sorting through clothing donations, cleaning parks and playgrounds, leading a retreat for middle school students, serving meals at a homeless shelter, and attending AA/NA meetings. But the most impactful experience of all came from living in the Camden Community and having a chance to understand the struggles they face.
Christ in the City – Philadelphia, PA
In May 2016, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks serving with a organization called Christ in the City, right here in Philadelphia. CIC is involved with homeless ministry, and during those two weeks we worked in several homeless shelters throughout the city, including St. John’s Hospice, Women of Help Shelter, and Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. However, the highlight of our work was going out on “street walks”. During these walks, we’d simply walk up to men and women who were living on the street, and make friends with them. By doing this, we hoped to remind them of their dignity as human beings, and let them know that they are loved and cared for. I learned many important lessons during this trip, but above all, I learned the reality and power of Mother Teresa’s quote: “There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love.”
