Loyola's gift

Teaching. I think someone lit a fire under my a** when I chose to go to Loyola. As a Jesuit university, its motto is "preparing people to live extraordinary lives." To me, the motto represents an awakening to our global citizenship. I am a steward of justice and faith, of perseverance and solidarity. Would I have discovered my calling and my gift at another university? It might have taken me a lot longer.
Loyola gave me a chance to follow a path that I did not even realize I was walking. Through community service projects in the city to studying abroad and wearing my Ramblers shirt downtown, I was promoting the traditions of a group of people committed to making a difference.
Now, the deeply embedded Jesuit values of justice and faith carry me through the day. As a KIPP Denver Collegiate High School teacher, I share with my students the value of character and being one for the global community. My small group of students that most high schools would call homeroom is called my PRIDE. These kids are my pride because they have already started to recognize their one life is better and bigger when they affect their community. We went to Dumb Friends Animal Shelter in Denver, Colorado for a Saturday afternoon. We will be going each month for a few hours to help the shelter in any way we are able. These kids went with me last night to Red Rocks to listen to Greg Mortenson talk about peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He builds schools for girls in a society that does not promote peace for all. Through education, he is empowering a generation of people to improve the way their world functions.

Where is this going?

I had no idea that signing up for Teach for America would bring me to the point where my school cell phone is a lifeline for kids when their world goes dark. It is. The question, "Will you pray for me?" lights a fire in me. Who is putting these bright, talented, caring teenagers in misery? Someone who knows that these spirits and minds can develop into strong leaders and activists that will fight against injustice and stand proudly for their right to a safe, strong and successful life.

Thank you for the gift. The gift of listening, of compassion and humility. Loyola, you lit a fire in me that is inextinguishable.