Rockhurst Sentinel

Rockhurst University’s mission is highlighted on the south side of the bell tower which reads, "Learning, Leadership, and Service in the Jesuit Tradition."

Guided by this mission, members of the Rockhurst community immersed themselves in service opportunities during spring break. Faculty, staff and students traveled to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize as well as Baltimore stateside. The annual mission trips, organized by Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Development, are designed to foster opportunities for growth and awareness.

The activities varied from trip to trip, but the agenda remained the same - make a positive impact in the world while also learning and growing as an individual.

The notion that one can learn through service was not lost on Senior Emily Bira who stated, "I think everyone could benefit from such an experience."

Bira has participated in a service trip each of the past three years and believes it to be an important part of her education here at Rockhurst.

She adds that, "Service is a core value of the Jesuit tradition, and the model I strive to follow in my livelihood. These trips have formed my worldview and impacted my career goals and personal choices. I’m more aware of global issues and have a broader understanding of foreign and domestic poverty, social injustice and service through solidarity."

Rockhurst Senior Chris Shaver participated in his first service trip, traveling to Belize with a group of twelve. The group spent two days painting a school at a Jesuit parish and followed that up with three and a half days of service to a homeless man. The volunteers helped construct a modest home for the man with help from Hand-in-Hand Ministries.

The demanding work in Equatorial heat was a grueling yet rewarding experience.

"As long as they are willing to step outside of their comfort zone and fully engage in the experience, then a service trip is worthwhile for anyone," noted Shaver. "I think that in the future when I look back at my time at Rockhurst, this service trip will stand out in my mind as one of the most engaging, eye-opening experiences I’ve had in my entire life. I learned more about life and our place in this world from one week of service in Belize than I could have from any class here on campus."

Shaver’s insight reminds us that our education here at Rockhurst is not one dimensional. It is important to embrace the world around us and value it as a learning tool. Engaging in service opportunities is a special way to bridge the gap of social injustice while also learning more about yourself and your place in the world.

After all, isn’t that what college is all about?