To me, Ignatian spirituality means community, personal reflection, growing together, serving others, and being friends. This summer, I was able to connect with colleagues from across campus by participating in the Marquette Colleagues Program and the Ignatian Summer Series offered by the Ministry of Mission.
These opportunities have connected me with wonderful people in the market, but they have also given me a deeper understanding of Ignatian spirituality and how it guides my work.
Through the Marquette Colleagues Program, I learned about the story of St. Ignatius and the impact that a Jesuit education has on students: an educational framework that embraces lifelong learning that is holistic and committed to serving all.
One session focused on Ignatian insight, which really resonated with my role as a career counselor. We use this framework to help students recognize who they are, how they got there, and what their guiding values are to support their decisions. I’ll make it. In addition to a great discussion topic, we had two wonderful days of community service and retreat. It was great to spend time with my colleagues and reflect and reacquaint myself with what is truly important.
The Ignatian Summer Series was also a wonderful experience of connecting with each other and enjoying the five senses. I especially loved the tortilla making and lakeside walking retreat.
I find that these moments continue to allow me to build community while also establishing a more personal awareness. I loved being able to use my summer at the market to focus on relationships, personal reflection, and how I wanted to continue serving others at the market.
