by Sara-Jessica Dilks

In mid-February, Theology teachers Michael Sanem and Jenny Greene proposed an “Experiential Learning Week” to the STA faculty to replace the current junior and senior service week schedule. The plan is a work in progress in order to introduce a “wider conversation” to the community, Sanem said. It originated because Sanem and Greene believe the mission of STA, which emphasizes “caring for the dear neighbor,” is being “marginalized” to the campus ministry department.

“It can’t be something done only for one week a year,” Sanem said. “It has to be at the center of what we do and why do it.”

Ideally, the Experiential Learning Week would include “creative, faculty-lead” learning experiences that focus on social justice-related issues, according to Sanem and Greene’s official proposal pamphlet.

Sanem said part of his motivation to create change is because he does not think students should wait until junior year to experience solidarity and service.

“There is a need for an encounter with a person different from you,” Sanem said. “With facetime and real relationships [in order] to live an authentic faith life.”

Additionally, Sanem and Greene recognize the importance or goals of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), who founded St. Teresa’s Academy in 1866. Out of about ten students in Sanem’s room during an activity period, none said they knew what “CSJ” means, nor did they know the mission of the CSJ sisters.

“And that is a big problem,” Sanem said.

“That’s exactly why we need change.”

Sanem and Greene have loosely devised a four-step process for their plan. First, students would be educated on a social issue during class time. Secondly, students would experience the injustice firsthand. Thirdly, students would actively participate in service to make a difference. Finally, students would reflect on the issue and school mission in a more spiritual context. If their plan is successful, the service week would take place between Spring 2016 or Fall 2016.

Junior Eden Kreighbaum, who is president of STA’s Rotary Interact Club and is involved in community service, agrees that the STA community should improve face-to-face interaction.

“Clubs and activities [at STA] put a lot of focus on helping someone who we’ll never get to personally meet in our life,” Kreighbaum said. “Which is needed in its own sense, but there isn’t a big drive [at our school] to help the local community.”

Kreighbaum added that it is beneficial when students directly serve food to the homeless at an organization like Morning Glory Cafe, rather than an organization like Harvester’s, which doesn’t allow for physical interaction with the needy.

Although the Experiential Learning Week has not yet been implemented, Sanem and Greene are hopeful that the STA community will be open to some sort of change.

“[STA is] an overprivileged population, myself included,” Sanem said. “But we have to remember we are an island of privilege [within society]. And with that privilege comes responsibility.”