Happy Fall everyone!
Fall is my favorite time of year, in general and at Wellesley. Some of my friends on campus have been sending me pictures of Wellesley recently, and it’s evident that the leaves are starting to change and the weather is becoming cooler. In San Diego, it’s still very warm – I think it’s going to be in the 90s this week – but I’m still excited for the change in season!
We’re more than halfway through term 1 (how?!) and the days are just flying by. As promised last week, today I’m talking about Civic Engagement, and more specifically, the lovely group on campus known as Ministrare Council. As a Ministrare Fellow, my past week was filled with Ministrare activities!
Just a bit of background: Civic Engagement is a program housed within Wellesley Career Education. From the website:
Built upon the foundations of Wellesley’s motto, Non Ministrari Sed Ministrare, Civic Engagement explores the role of social justice work across all majors and career fields. The Civic Engagement program works to prepare Wellesley graduates to make a difference in the world. We offer opportunities to engage in sustained, collaborative, reflective, and meaningful ways that enrich a liberal arts education.
Essentially, Civic Engagement is a great way to get involved in service work and volunteering at Wellesley. It provides a collaborative space for reflection and engagement on all aspects of service.
Ministrare Council (the group I’m part of!) helps to lead Civic Engagement’s programs on (and off) campus. We help build community across campus through volunteer programs and events:
Ministrare Council is a group of civic-minded student leaders who are responsible for guiding their peers through community engaged work. Ministrare Council is led by six Fellows, each with a specialized focus area. The remainder of the Council is composed of Coordinators who support our student volunteers through education and reflection.
Obviously, with COVID-19, service work and volunteering is really different this academic year. This fall, we’re primarily focused on forward planning and building community within Ministrare. Just this past Wednesday, the fellows hosted a coffee chat for potential coordinators, and it was so splendid to meet everyone on zoom. One of the best things about Ministrare Council (in my opinion) is the dynamic and wonderful group of people it brings together – like minded individuals excited and ready to make a difference – all from different majors and backgrounds on campus. Ministrare is first and foremost a community.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the year with Ministrare! I have a feeling it’s going to be one for the books.
Until next week,
Shreya
Last remnants of summer in San Diego