Carter Anderson
International Social Justice
I have always had a great desire to care for those around me. Whether in influential endeavors or minute actions, it has been rewarding placing the needs of others before my own.
My experiences are varied: tutoring fellow students, serving food at local homeless shelters, building missions in Tijuana, and working with the Missionaries of Charity in Rome. Each set of encounters has opened my eyes, as well as my heart, to the numerous needs that exist throughout our world.
These great needs require hearts willing to serve, and studying French has made me better adept to do so. Catholic Social Teaching often highlights the theme of a preferential care for the poor and most vulnerable (CCC 2444). Foremost among the vulnerable in our society are the sick and those affected by debilitating disease. Regardless of the culture we may find ourselves in, a willingness to serve the other must be foremost in our respect to all humanity.
During the Summer of 2019 I plan to volunteer as a bénévolat du sanctuaire in Lourdes, France. In transporting, feeding, and lodging the severely ill, I will be able to engage in personal relationships by giving of my time and talents.This would simply not be possible without the unifying element of the French language.
During my senior year of undergraduate, I served as a Peer Minister in the campus dorms. In this role, I was able to interact with peers from all backgrounds, finding common ground to speak on issues of life and faith. The relationships formed during this time of service will continue to be some of my most cherished. Likewise, it was indispensable to learn how to properly approach mental health in today's day-in-age and through the process, I became mental health first aid certified. This opens doors to new methods of service in my community.
"On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux"
Le Petit Prince