Summer SERVE inspires student

    During high school, students are expected to perform a certain amount of service hours each year in order to graduate.  Most just do it because they have to, but for others, it means so much more.
    I am one of those students.
    I am an 11th grader at St. Mary’s Dominican High School. During my life, I always have been taught to be grateful for all that I have, whether it’s clothes, food, shoes – anything.
    Through my experience at Ozanam Inn, I learned how the simple things in life we take for granted mean so much more to people who don’t have anything.
    During the week of service, I participated in preparing and serving meals, folding clean towels and pajamas, and giving words of encouragement to those who really needed it the most. I know I may get down on my knees and pray for certain things every blue moon, but the people who line up for a hot meal every day have taught me how to pray to God every day and to give to others, even when I don’t have.
    That experience also showed me why Jesus comes to the poor and needy first. There are two Beatitudes that helped me understand Jesus’ purpose in coming to them: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.”
    I will continue to give to the poor in order to have a mind more open to trying new things and a better relationship with Christ.
    Stevenson assisted at Ozanam Inn in conjunction with SERVE (Students Engaged in Reflective Volunteer Experiences), a Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans program that provides week-long service opportunities for high school students throughout the summer.