Current Fellows

Molly Babcock

Year: Senior
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public 
Hometown: Frankfort, Illinois
Service Sites: Mary Magdalen House, Lydia's House

Father Greg Boyle once said, "Compassion is not a relationship between the wounded and the healer. It is a covenant between equals." When I think of service, the first word that comes to mind is compassion. Service is about being committed to listening more than speaking. Service is about empathy over sympathy. Service is about commonality over difference.

To truly emphasize what community engagement means to me, I find it necessary to tell a quick story about a man who changed the way in which I view service. This man, Eric, proved to me that two people with completely opposite backgrounds, identities, and races, could come together to share in life's mall beauties. I experienced the uniting nature of small acts of kindness and acknowledgement. During summer, I chose to volunteer at a food bank as a server to the public. Throughout the days of volunteering, I started to recognize the same faces day after day. I got to know the people, their experiences, and on a smaller scale, what type of food they would usually say yes to me putting on their plate. I began to feel a sense of community with the people with whom I volunteered, and the people on the other side of the food distribution. One day in June, an older man came in, went through the line, and came back to where I was serving the fruits and vegetables for the day. He said that he hadn't seen me around before and wanted to meet me. We exchanged names, a couple laughs, and went on our way. The next day, he came in, smiled, and exclaimed, "Molly! I am so glad to see you here again! How are you?" I was so happy he remembered me. I could tell by the look on his face that he started his sentence with my name in order to see if I would remember his. Such a simple thing. A name. Yet our name is an important piece of our identity. I responded with, "Eric!" In that moment, his face lit up and he grinned from ear to ear. "You remembered!" he exclaimed. This mutual recognition made both of us feel valued.

Through this was a small encounter, it instilled in me a feeling and realization that I will never forget. In that moment I understood that we need to take the time to acknowledge each other. Simple acts of recognition can turn someone's day around. Every day he came in, he would ask me how I was doing, even though his struggles outweighed my own. I learned that though Eric and I were completely different regarding age, race, the area in which we grew up, and our current experiences, we came together because we recognized one another, and this mutual recognition gave both of us dignity as human beings. Eric is a man I will never forget because of the lesson he taught me. Our shared humanity unites us.

Tez Brown

Year: Senior
Major: Biomedical Sciences 
Hometown: Orville, Ohio
Service Sites: Boys2Men, Saturday Hoops

"If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." - Malcom X

As I devote time and compassion to my service, I stand for a greater purpose in which I believe to always be open minded to receive current information or past experiences. When it comes to our youth, they are our future. If we can have a positive influence and impact on those who may never thought of thinking or altering their rituals then I can say we have helped a portion to our future society.

Alton Jenkins

Year: Senior
Major: Economics & Sociology
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Service Sites: Boys2Men, Saturday Hoops, Cincinnati Recreation Centers, Wasson Way Trail

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced" - James Baldwin.   

This quote from James Baldwin - a revolutionary thinker and believer, has always motivated me in my dedication to my community. Service is, and always will be, an integral part of my life. No matter the outlet of that service - I recognize that the work must be done, regardless of the level of impact it can bring. The beautiful craft that is the community engagement was born out of dedication of compassionate, selfless, and loving leaders. They recognized that service was not about what you could take away, but rather how you could wholeheartedly give back to those around you. It was because of these brave individuals in my community that I was not only inspired, but called to action. I am so thankful for this Fellowship, and this strong community of engaged learners!

Ethan Nichols

Year: Senior
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public & English double major
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Service Sites: Homeless Coalition, Life of the World, Music Resource Center

"Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." - Howard Zinn

In high school I was able to find myself through service to others. It was ingrained in me from a very young age, when I first joined Cub Scouts. Having spent a decade in the scouting program, and being an Eagle Scout, I was taught that service to others is an essential part of life. I think the importance of small acts, starting with the individual, is vital. Cause when we all commit ourselves to serving each other and standing in solidarity, we really can transform the world.

Olivia Smith

Year: Senior
Major: Business 
Hometown: Florissant, Missouri
Service Sites: Princesses Ballet, Academy of World Languages

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10

My life has always been surrounded by my faith. Services comes along with being devoted to Christ. Service is about giving back to others. I see service as an opportunity to change someone's life. From a young age I've always been taught to speak up and make a difference where I could. I serve because others are not able to and my contribution could bridge a gap between societal issues.

Josh Fieger

Year: Junior 
Major: Biology
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio 
Service Sites: Hope's Closet, Boys2Men, Saturday Hoops

Service is the best way to meet a new face and build a relationship. To me that is what service is all about, building together as a group and learning new aspects of life that would be hidden without it. Service allows me to connect to communities and learn new ideas by engaging with people. My first step in serving a community is engaging myself in that community and understanding their needs. Everyone can offer something special, and service is the best way to find that something. Further, service is a way of life that continues day to day. Therefore, it is important to truly care about and love the people around you because that willingness to sacrifice brings joy like no other.

Jordan Harris

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi   

This quote is the motivation and inspiration for my service. There are so many people in this world that need assistance and often I find myself asking “why aren’t there a multitude of people helping those asking for support?” I recognize that service begins with me, and I have the power to make a positive impact in the world. I have a responsibility to those in need and I hope that through my work of service, I can be a catalyst for change. I want to inspire others to use their own gifts and talents to contribute to the transformation of a society where unity, love, and human dignity are elevated. I strive to be an example to all through my action, word, and deed so that I can make a positive impact in someone’s life. I participate in service because while it can inspire others to follow, there is always personal growth found through the process. When exposed to different communities and cultures from various backgrounds, I gain deeper insights into the world around me, and establish a greater connection with those I serve. May we always share our gifts and talents to help those less fortunate and have a willingness to be an example for all the world to see.

Jaiden Jennings

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali

This quote truly embodies my reasoning and beliefs on working with others. I think that community service is an obligation, and you can’t say you love your community unless you are actively doing things to make it better. Being immersed in my community makes me feel like I am loving others to the best of my ability. When I interact with others, I am treating them how I want to be treated. I serve with the intention of showing and spreading love, to have an impact that shows support to others constantly.

Molly Kantz

Year: Junior 
Major: Social Work
Minors: Gender & Diversity Studies and Peace & Justice Studies
Hometown: Fairport, New York 
Service Sites: Fernside Center for Grieving Children, Bethesda North Hospital, Life Learning Center, Saturday Hoops

“World peace can be achieved when the power of love replaces the love of power." - Sri Chinmoy Kumar Ghose 

Practicing humble service is essential to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. Through the many stories of his ministry to others throughout the Gospels, he invites us to recognize that everyone deserves love, equity, and justice. I recognize today that this is one reason my parents have always emphasized the importance of connecting with others – not just by having a short conversation, but by developing authentic relationships. Volunteering is one of my favorite ways to do this. My introduction to the world of volunteering was at a shelter for women and children facing homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, and various mental and physical illnesses. Growing up volunteering there, I learned to treat everyone as family. Choosing the 'power of love' enables me to act with humble service towards others, and that’s where authentic relationships and 'world peace' begin.

Joel Lacoste

The idea that not all superhero's wear capes is the understanding that everyday people, rather than our stereotypical childhood superheroes, are capable of making a difference. However, it has never been the idea of a cape or mask that motivated me to take action and strive to better my community; rather, it was my honest, unending desire to serve the needs of the greater good. This calling led me to join Army ROTC, where I am training to become an officer and lead America's soldiers. My desire to serve my community now, and to serve my country in the future as an Army officer is an extension of these desires. Superheroes are the ones that help others when times are hardest, and although I'm no Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker, I know that truly anyone can make an impact equally significant. Ultimately, we don't need superpowers to serve others. We just need to be better than we were yesterday. 

Jordan Madry

Macy Melero

Year: Junior 
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Fenton, Michigan 
Service Sites: Children's Creative Corner, Marjorie Book Continuing Education, Ken Anderson Alliance, Weightless Anchor, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." - Edward Everett Hale 

To me, service has always been a constant in my life. My favorite thing to do has always been creating meaningful connections with others, and service has always allowed me to do so. So many hardships can plague a person’s life; when you turn on the news at the end of the day and hear how much negativity surrounds today's world, it is hard to remember how much good we have in our lives. Volunteering my time to service projects has always allowed me to affirm my faith in my community and surroundings and allowed me to give back to the communities that have given me so much. No matter what circumstances, a person should never have to walk alone, and service is my way of trying to make someone's day a little brighter. 

Michael Rentmeester

“Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve” - Martin Luther King Jr. 

For me, service is a way to connect with others. It does not have to be complicated or grand. Service is a way to lift people up simply by listening and caring and loving. Through my service I strive to be present and available, sharing my gifts and talents where needed and openly receiving the gifts of others. Greatness cannot be an individual effort. It requires community. Serving one another in mutual love and respect is enacting God’s will and building the foundation for great change. 

Gabrielle Clark

“Too often we underestimate the power of touch. A smile. A kind word. A listening ear. An honest compliment. Or the smallest act of caring. All of which have the potential to turn a life around” -Leo Buscaglia  

One will never forget the way one makes them feel. As Buscaglia mentioned, the smallest actions make the greatest impact. As I do service, I constantly remind myself I cannot fix someone nor their situation. Yet I can be supportive, give unconditional love, reinforce a judgment-free zone, and listen. Everyone deserves an important figure they can lean on. Service is about giving back with a pure heart. Selflessness, positive influence, weeping with those who weep, genuine contribution, and spreading hope through the Lord as he is our savior, help, and shield. I have always felt peace in helping, inspiring, and guiding others. It’s the little things that truly change a person's life. Service teaches discipline, respect, communication, understanding, patience, and intellectual humility and I will forever take advantage of the opportunity to give back.  

Olivia Dabbelt

Brendan Endre

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — David S. Viscott

My journey to finding love for service and giving back started when I had to start playing a bigger role in caring for my brother with special needs. This is where I realized I wanted to give all my effort and energy giving back to others. I do service out of love, not obligation, or because I feel the need to. I have found my greatest joy in seeing the progress and success of others, my goal is to make a small impact in every life I interact with. 

Caitlyn Frey

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" -Mahatma Gandhi

Izzy King

Mother Teresa kindly reorients me “Not everyone can do great things, but we can all do things with great love.” Service is not something that you can just “do” service is really about the posture of heart— A way of life. When we think of service what often comes to mind is physical giving and doing things that seem “productive.” Or, things that come with a tangible sense of accomplishment. But service most often is simply loving others well, and making space for others. There is no better example of this than Jesus. Jesus honored the outcast, spoke to women, heard peoples stories. Jesus didn’t condemn, he made space that allowed for healing. It’s in the seemingly insignificant moments of listening and seeing each other that we can begin to heal. 

What's beautiful and astounding  is the invitation that Jesus has given us to “be his hands and feet” and continue to make space that allows for healing of wounds. My service relies on not my own strength, but the strength of Jesus.

Bryson Payne

Hailey Porter

Ava Sardina

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion" - Dalai Lama

When we get overwhelmed with life, it’s important to step back and focus on one thing at a time in order to make progress. This strategy applies to service as well. While doing service, it is easy to feel like you are not making a difference with all that feels wrong in the world. In times like these, I like to step back, reflect, and focus on the small things. I think of my service as a pebble dropped into the water. The ripple my pebble makes spreads to others.

Those that I serve pass on service to the next and to the next and so on. Although I am just a pebble, my service can make a ripple that impacts many. This also reminds me to be in service with others rather than for them because we are all pebbles working to make a difference. Lastly, I am a firm believer that what we put out into the universe we receive. Your attitude, mindset, and how you approach challenges in life determine the results and affects how others perceive you. It is important to spread positivity, love, and compassion in order to receive the same in return.

Luciano Añez

Jenny Davis

Ganza Kim

Claire Wagner

Isaac Visser

Asia Ricks

Makayla Rausch

Daniel Smith