How do we accompany students and one another?
by: Tricia Klosky, PhD, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice
There are many private universities that are affiliated with religions, but what makes Saint
Mary’s so unique from other institutions is our Lasallian charism. This charism is focused on the realization that education can transform lives and that this transformation can have a ripple effect to the larger community/world. From this perspective, we are on a journey together as a community. This is a journey of many facets and includes the entire community. We never know how our words or actions can impact the lives of those around us. With this in mind we know that our interactions matter. We are a community that takes care of one another and looks out for each other. A large part of our ability to connect with our students comes from our ability to connect with one another through the formation of meaningful relationships. It is by together and by association that our charism shines through even in the darkest of times.
The question becomes, “How do we accompany our students and one another to make these transitions and transformations possible?” I believe this done through both our forma (classroom, advising, meetings, presentations) and informal (athletic events, dinners, student-centered events). When we make the time to be with one another and be present in this space during this time, that is when the magic happens. That is when it becomes an experience for students, faculty, and staff. It is when lives are changed in ways we cannot even fathom but are sometimes lucky enough to observe directly. Being there with each other during times of happiness and sadness connects us to each other as a community. What you bring to the table matters and that is where people truly feel valued.
