Becker College preaches having a set of core values, which are
excellence, accountability, community and diversity, social responsibility,
integrity, and creative expression. However, in my opinion, Becker College as a
whole lacks follow through. We talk the talk, but very seldom do we Hawks walk
the walk.
I felt the pressure of this “inability” to act at the beginning of
the Fall semester. I took a class called Women of the World, with Dr. Howe and
Dr. Pallatto-Fontaine, which discusses the plight and injustice women face
throughout the world and how it affects everyone. I would highly suggest the
class for anyone who has a social conscience or has an innate desire to become
inspired.
During the semester we took several field trips to several
non-profit organizations and discussed those organizations we could not
visit. One of these field trips was
dinner at the Catholic Worker House right down the street from our Worcester
campus, where we conversed and ate with several people who happened to be
homeless and the lovely people who opened their home to them. The class opened
my eyes and mind to such discrimination and prejudice that I could not continue
walking through life pretending I did not learn or witness these disturbing
issues first-hand.
Let me fill you in on a little history before I continue. The
Catholic Worker Movement is grounded in a firm belief in the God-given dignity
of every human person. Today 213 Catholic Worker communities remain committed
to nonviolence, voluntary poverty, prayer, and hospitality for the homeless,
exiled, hungry, and forsaken. Catholic Workers continue to protest injustice,
war, racism, and violence of all forms.
Catholic Workers live a simple lifestyle in community, serve the
poor, and resist war and social injustice. Most are grounded in the Gospel,
prayer, and the Catholic faith, although some houses are interfaith. Each
Catholic Worker house is independent, and there is no “Catholic Worker
headquarters.”
Income for Catholic Worker houses can come from outside jobs held
by members or by cottage industries developed by the community, but most houses
survive on donations.
Every Catholic Worker house can use donations of money and/or
specific items like food, clothing, etc.
Most can also use volunteers from the surrounding community to help with
the work.
Alright, now that you understand what the Catholic Worker House is
all about, I can proceed with my story. During the course of the semester I
felt a deep-seeded desire to help those people who were less fortunate than me. I knew I had limited time and very limited
funds. What could I possibly do to help
rid the world of these terrible things?
I discussed it with my professors, and I took it upon myself to
obtain permission from Chartwells (the company who caters Becker’s food) to
collect any perishable goods when the Hawks Nest closes on Friday afternoons.
This went off without a hitch. The day I approached Robin for permission was
the same day I made my first solo delivery to the Catholic Worker House. I felt
such a genuine gratitude radiating from these people when I offered them
Becker’s donation. I have done this donation every Friday since…
I am sincerely extending an invitation to each and every person
who reads this article to act. I would like each of you to do one thing to help
out another person, animal, or organization. You need to be the change you want
to see in this world. It is as simple as picking up a box of food, driving two
miles down the road, and dropping it off.
Worcester is filled with those who are less fortunate than you. Do
not try to pretend as if you have never seen a homeless person while you were
walking to class. It’s upsetting. I want you to DO something about it! Be
someone who lives up to those core values!
If homelessness isn’t what you are passionate about, then find your niche! Join the Big Brother Big
Sister Organization; volunteer at an animal shelter; help an elderly person
cross the road; avoid littering; practice random acts of kindness. Just do
something! Anything! This world can be as dismal or as bright as you choose.
You are capable of making it brighter by caring about something. We are all
fighting our own battles. Lend a hand when you can.
Terri Boulier, Staff Writer
