Taking Risks

The Br. David Darst Center invites individuals and groups to leave their comfort zones and what they are familiar with, to question the stories they have been told, and be open to seeing things differently. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all those who have the courage to take risks. I am thankful for those who risk what they previously knew to meet people, share stories, and experience life at our partner organizations. I am thankful for those who risk acceptance by challenging the status quo, sharing what is in their hearts, and allowing themselves to get angry about social justice issues. Most importantly, I am thankful to those who risk leaving the Darst Center with a broken heart, with more questions than answers, and a passion to continue to uncover the rest of the story.

My appreciation for risk takers has been fueled by the places I've been and the people I've met through risks I've taken myself. When I was in college, I participated in several immersion trips similar to the Darst Center’s Urban Immersion retreats. These trips were a risk and a step outside of my comfort zone, but these experiences opened my mind and my heart, stirring a passion for social justice. The risk I took to attend an immersion trip lead to taking a risk to explore my own city and volunteer more, which led to a risk to publicly stand against injustice at protests and rallies. These experiences called me to do more for justice and take a risk to move across the country to become a Jesuit Volunteer, and eventually a risk to seriously work towards justice issues as a staff member at the Darst Center. The risks I have taken led to invaluable insight, experiences, relationships, and a desire to accompany others with their risk taking journeys.

Br. David Darst risked his career, reputation, and life in May 1968, when he intentionally burned draft cards at a Selective Service office in Catonsville, Maryland. If it weren't for his great risk, this organization would not have the same inspiration and mission to challenge students to see the world differently and act for justice. I would not have hope for social change and a better world if it was not for the great risks taken by each individual who passes through the Darst Center doors day after day. For those who take risks, thank you.