Passion and Hard Work

The Br. David Darst Center is thankful for the passion and belief people have in the work they do, and that it really can make a difference. As a recent college graduate, my parents were not happy that I wanted to take a year off after graduation to serve and volunteer. When I told them that I would never get another chance to do something like this, their response was to ask why. “So what?” they said. This chance I was taking wasn't going to help me in the long run because I was not putting away pay-checks or working my way up in a company. I too felt sort of nervous about taking this step because those same thoughts were creeping into my mind. I kept asking myself what I had to offer somebody who is struggling with addiction or hunger. How much of a difference could I really make? Maybe I should just give up on this altogether. Working at the Darst Center, though, has affirmed my choice. I have encountered so many amazing souls at our partner agencies, in the students that come through our doors and in those who work day in and day out for what they are passionate for. The world is full of cynical people and sometimes people who work in the non-profit field do experience burn out. They get this feeling that no matter what they’re doing or how hard they’re working, it just isn't enough.

I sometimes have these thoughts too, but then I go to the Cornerstone Men’s Shelter and people like Vince are working there. He refers to the men at the homeless shelter as “my guys” and the love he has for them is so apparent when he talks about his work to the students we take there. There’s Sister Donna at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation who tears up every time she tells the story of how peace circles changed the lives of one young boy and the cop’s house whose windows he broke. There’s Sister Sharon who can’t help but speak with pride at the upkeep and landscaping the men at Saint Leonard’s have done. There are countless others who are doing what they can to make an impact on the world. The Darst Center and I are thankful for these people for inspiring us and showing us what hard work and passion can lead to.