A Vincentian, an individual who follows in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul in service to the poor and marginalized. However, before I go into depth about what it means to “Be Vincentian” and how it applies to myself as a student at St. John’s University, I want to share one of the most memorable experiences from my humanitarian trip to Ecuador two-years ago that allowed me to gain a new and profound perspective of myself and the world. And I do not mean this in an arrogant way, but I strongly believe St. Vincent de Paul would be well pleased. It is due to this trip that I found my ultimate purpose in this world and adhered to the belief that giving all of oneself can truly make the world a better place. —> Enjoy.
It was six in the morning in Ecuador, when I was on my way to an indigenous farming community by the name of Guamote…I thought about the days before this one, the faces of my students who I had spent an entire week teaching English and the impact they left on me. Suddenly, as the bus came to a halt, I was awakened from my trance. I had finally arrived at my destination to meet Juanita, the woman who gave me an insight to reality and a new perspective of the world around me.
On this trip, I would further immerse myself in the daily demands that men, women and even young children must work extremely hard to meet. When I encountered Juanita, her eyes sparkled, the corner of her eyes crinkled, and her mouth slid upwards. As we approached her house, I was astonished to see this block of crumbled concrete with some parts covered in mold, which she considered home. Buzzing sounds coming from flies, surrounding every inch of her home. A sink and toilet that lacked running water. I could not help but cringe at the sight until I saw Juanita beam with pride and excitement as she was giving us a tour.
My task was to help Juanita carry rocks up and down a hill in order to build a pig enclosure. During my experience, I realized that carrying rocks was not as easy as it seemed. The high altitude and the steep and slippery climb made this task grueling. However, children younger and much smaller than me were able to complete this chore without a hitch. Not to mention, they did so while barefoot. If you could only imagine the blood, sweat, and tears that Juanita and myself put into this task. I wanted to sit down and give up, especially after getting a few splinters. Maybe it was because I’ve lived a life free of hardships with no other responsibilities but to perform well in school. I’ve never experienced this type of labor, a type that is essential for the people of Guamote to persevere. I look back at the time I spent with Juanita and how she embraced that rock, refusing to surrender because she remembered the purpose of her labor. This was the driving force that motivated me to conquer my exhaustion and encourage others to do the same.
This experience made me realize that youth worldwide is the motivating force for change, and with change comes endless opportunities. Working with Juanita, I saw and felt how life can be when you’re living outside of the comforts of American society; how others must work twice as hard to meet their necessities. I went from being in a community with buildings and suburban houses to a farmland where hard labor brought out a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Meeting and spending a day with Juanita was a gift, a token that I will always have in my heart. I departed Ecuador with an immense appreciation for all my blessings and an eagerness to travel the world to serve others.
I carry the weight on my shoulders thinking about the world I want to build. How my actions inspire others to dream, learn, and be involved. I have the compassion, confidence, courage, and commitment to immerse myself in the world and “be the center [of all life and activity]”. <— The End.
After watching the St Vincent de Paul: Charity ‘s Saint Documentary & reading the article, “FIRE WITHIN: The Spirituality that Sparked the Works of St. Vincent de Paul”, I realized you do not need the money or connections to give back and make the world a better place. It first starts with having faith and carrying God’s Will in all circumstances and at all times. Look at St. Vincent de Paul when he was younger. He was born to a peasant family in France in 1580. Although he later achieved fame for his dedication to the poor, he spent attempting to escape his humble roots. Eventually finding his place in the Catholic church. Therefore, anyone can discover leadership within themselves and impart their pure intentions onto communities. Anyone, at any time, can exercise leadership. I think we sometimes forget that the simplest things can make the most significant impact on some else. St. Vincent de Paul reminds us regardless of your place in society, everyone has the opportunity to give back. He is the epitome of a man who devoted his life to the spiritual and material needs of the poor.
In closing, being a Vincentian means to serve others and I mean your brothers and sisters. We are all God’s children. Vincentians have compassion, empathy and the ability to humanize one another. As a St. John’s student, I am have the obligation to give back to my community, whether it is providing a roof over one’s head, or food on one’s plate, or even clothes on one’s back. And we are following the footsteps of Jesus Christ himself. That is where my joy lives. Yes in my faith, but most importantly my neighbors. It lies in my brothers and sisters that I help, the connections I make through service and putting myself in one’s shoes. I speak for all of us at St. John’s University that we as AGENTS OF CHANGE must put a smile on one’s face because we are all we got and it take us far locally and globally. We are simply “following Christ as Evangelizer and Servant of the Poor”. It is our responsibility in making a difference in the world.
Go beyond limitations and you will see beauty in life itself, I promise.
“Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity” – St. Vincent de Paul.
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Daniel's Perspective On Christianity 