The Junior Service Project is a transformative experience, deeply rooted in the Catholic Social Teaching principle of “Solidarity.” This principle emphasizes that we are all part of one human family, regardless of our differences, and it calls us to encounter and serve those who are marginalized.
Elsa Castro’s Junior Service Project profoundly shaped her understanding of service and its impact on her future. She reflected, “The experience has impacted me to look at service from a different perspective, to serve with patience, grace, and humility. It’s important in these situations to lift people up with themes of empathy, not pity or sympathy.”
Maja Gowans (a current junior) also found the project to be a powerful learning experience. She shared, “I never expected to be so impacted by the people I worked with. It’s one thing to hear about service, but another to actually form relationships with those you’re helping. It made me realize that service isn’t about doing something for someone, it’s about being there with them.”
While many students view the project as just another requirement, Elsa urges a more meaningful engagement. “It can seem like a box to check but approaching it with an open heart can lead to growth. I was fortunate to continue with the same organization, which brought me immense joy.”
Looking back, Elsa wishes that she would’ve chosen a more diverse service project. “Choosing a different organization could have helped me step outside my comfort zone and gain fresh insights.”
Maja, too, reflected on her experience, adding, “There were definitely times when I felt out of my element, but I think that’s where the most growth happens. Pushing past discomfort helped me see things from a different perspective.”
The project also reshaped Elsa’s future aspirations. “As an introvert, I learned the value of genuine connections. Whatever career I choose, I won’t be confined to a solitary office. I plan to study biology and carry these lessons into my interactions with people from various backgrounds.” Maja, who maybe wants to pursue a career in social work, shared, “Seeing the direct impact of service on individuals confirmed for me that I want to dedicate my life to helping others. The Junior Service Project wasn’t just a school requirement—it was a turning point for me.”
Elsa’s service deepened her appreciation for Catholic social teachings, especially the dignity of the elderly. One impactful conversation involved a resident grateful for her right to vote, highlighting how life changes can affect political freedoms.
Volunteering at a local retirement home, Elsa interacted with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, experiencing the joy their smiles brought, even if they didn’t remember her. Music created bonds, as sharing songs from the 60s to the 80s brought happiness to both her and the residents.
Ultimately, Elsa Castro and Maja Gowans’ Junior Service Projects significantly influenced their perspectives on service, laying a foundation for their future dedication to empathy and community upliftment.
