Today I found out that I passed my capstone class at Georgetown University, meaning I have officially completed my masters degree. I can’t tell you how hard and trying an experience finishing that degree has been, between starting unemployed, working two (sometimes three) jobs and dealing with a whole host of personal troubles. But by the grace of God, much support from my friends and family, and some willpower, I made it.
but this post isn’t actually about finishing grad school. I told you about how what I learned at NCS is affecting my World Race, but now let’s talk about how my lovely Jesuit undergraduate and graduate schools are playing a role.
Men & Women for Others
The Jesuit community is all about serving others and giving back. It was one of the things that really drew me to Boston College And Georgetown. Serving the people around me has been a cornerstone of my life since I was a kid. I volunteered at church functions, summer camps, school programs. I coached soccer and tutored others kids. I organized blood drives and was head of the service board at my high school. Went caroling at nursing homes. I was a kid, so I couldn’t really give money, but I gave of my time, happily.
That’s one of the reason I decided to go on the World Race. Caring for others and giving of myself to those around me are the ways that I relate to The Lord the best. It is my interpretation of the greatest commandment. Loving God with all my heart and soul and my neighbor as myself by giving of the only thing that’s truly mine: my time.
For me, the last few years has been a whirlwind of work and school. I neglected pretty much everything else, including my relationship with God and giving of my time. When I decided to go on the race, I had taken a step back and decided I didn’t like where I was or what was going on in my life. But I also knew I wasn’t going to change it if I didn’t make a big change.
I’m so excited to have this opportunity. And I know I’ll be able to refocus and get myself back on track. I’ve already made some big changes since training camp a month ago. So I can only imagine how much I’ll grow with God between now and the end of the race.
I have until Friday to raise the last $2,000 I need to launch. So I’m asking you guys for prayers, LOTS OF PRAYERS, that I’m able to to raise the last bit before then. And if you’re able to donate, please do so today or tomorrow because it takes a couple of days to process. Thank you so much for your support up through this point. God bless you guys.
