Alumni

I’m inspired by the deep desire to learn more about Anabaptist theology and how the churches in Latin America see the relevance of Anabaptism today. The people in the churches often talk about this being their spiritual heritage.

After college, some of my friends moved to a new city and had trouble meeting people and building up a sense of community. MVS is really good at creating community, both within your unit, within your house, as well as your place of work, and within the broader community. I would say that I have really found that community in Alamosa.

Doing MVS, specifically in Alamosa, exposed me to a new set of issues that I really hadn’t thought about before. From water use and agriculture, to rural homelessness. Each geographical area has their own issues. In order to truly be a part of a community, you need to learn about that community. And, in that learning, you’ll learn both the beautiful things and the areas where there’s work being done. That’s one thing I will take away.

Because of my time in L.A., I know that I want to work with issues concerning race in the future. I was able to make friends, experience a different place, learn, and just have fun. I would recommend Youth Venture to anyone and everyone.

MVS has this built in support. We have a support committe, we have a house, the church. It really allows you to explore while feeling supported and secure in where you are. And it’s fun!

Service can be intimidating. It is a challenge because you are going, potentially, far from home and cultures that you’re familiar with. But I think the reason why people should do service is that it will push you out of those boundaries. I’m a more nuanced and rounded person for having pushed outside of those boundaries and finding that my normal is not “the normal” — which can refer to your faith and how you express it or even just worship styles. It’s a great time to learn more about the broader world, and also to learn about yourself.

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.

We went to La Posada, which is the only long-term shelter for migrants to safely live in the area. Coming together as a group to work hard and meet new people was definitely an encounter with God and a positive experience.

I was placed in a nonprofit organization that serves refugees, and I found myself falling in love with the work and the people. I also really like San Antonio and all the opportunities that it has to offer young people like me willing to do service. I am very happy to stay with my placement organization and work with them for this amazing cause.

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.