Alumni

Something that I’ve learned a lot about is social justice and how to participate in that. Coming from a context of being a college student and hearing about all of these protests but not really being involved in any of them, it’s been really cool to learn more about that process and get involved and be able to make my voice heard in some of these actions.

Tucson is technically a border town. Our unit went on a border delegation trip with a Presbyterian mission called Frontera de Cristo. We went to Douglas, Arizona’s sister city, Agua Prieta, Sonora. We learned the reasons why people choose, or have to immigrate. It really expanded my knowledge on a complicated issue and I have more empathy for people who, for some of them, immigration isn’t a choice.

After having a year full of learning, self-growth, and new connections with people here in San Francisco, I knew that I wanted to stay for a second year.

What I would say to somebody on the fence about MVS is you get to live in a cool place. You get to live in community with other people — built-in friends, in a way. And, it’s a way to explore who you are. And, have a break before you go into your major career or whatever else you want to do in your life.

My year of serving with RAICES through the MVS program strengthened the idea of the importance of helping populations that need assistance as well as my desire to go into law. I became more aware of both the rewarding aspects of the work and the arduous, difficult parts in a legal position.

I saw skills forming that I never knew I had. My true self finally felt seen. I entered the year being a shy kid who felt overlooked and left as a leader.

For all the other things we learned and unlearned and remembered and re-membered, reading the Bible in another context just, had the biggest impact on our [Just Peace Pilgrimage] group.

The highlight of the pilgrimage to South Africa for me was the opportunity to vist with local people, both Black and White, who have lived in apartheid and who continue to live in the South African culture. We overlook racism as white people and just go on with our lives not thinking about the privilege that we have. The whole trip struck a chord with me that I’ll have to think a lot about when I get back home.

We are grateful for the intergenerational relationships that have been formed through the holy experience of faith formation and community living. Our lives have been forever transformed by our Service Adventure experiences.

In a world where there is individualism and putting up of high walls and sectioning off clean water wells, it’s been encouraging to see the Nigerian church allow the community to access clean water from its different properties within the community. I see that as being Jesus, given unconditionally, without words, to the community.