Wishing Fr. Jack a Happy Birthday on April 17, 2024. | |
Montserrat Seniors' Reflection | |
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As a Montserrat student who transferred to Boston College in the second semester of my sophomore year my initial transition was not the easiest. I had to navigate an entirely new campus and course load, get my courses slotted correctly, figure out which classes to take, figure out who I was going to live with next year, and of course make a whole new set of friends, all on top of my course load. I know not the easiest slate of tasks to complete. However, one by one each of these various hurdles was knocked down. I got my courses sorted; was able to take some of the best courses Boston College has to offer, from Philosophy to Finance; am heavily involved in BC’s community, working at the Montserrat House and being a member of other clubs like the Irish Society and Transfer Ambassador Program; live in 2150 Thomas More Apartments where on a beautiful day I can see look down Campanella Way and see the sun shine down with Gasson Tower and Bapst Library piercing the sky; and I have made some of the best friends and greatest memories to which I am quite melancholic to leave behind.
Reflecting on my time at BC it was not easy to begin with, but I could not be more happier than where I am now. For those lucky Freshman - or even those here currently - who are entering the hallowed halls of BC and walking beneath the icons of Saint Michael, Ignatius, and other great saints, I would impart not to forget the privilege it is to be here and to treasure not just every moment (yes the good and the bad, because they will not occur again) but to utilize all this institution has to offer. Have a plan, and if not a plan then have a goal and strive towards them every day. Branch out of your comfort zone and try new things, meet new people, and don’t be afraid of the BC look-away. I write this especially in regards to the Montserrat House: an organization I was at first not heavily involved in. As a Montserrat Student Ambassador, I have not met a more diverse, jovial, and welcoming group of individuals. Whether I am switching shifts with my co-workers or we see each other between classes I am always greeted with a hearty hello and a warm smile.
Although it was not until my Senior Year that I became heavily involved with the Montserrat House as an institution the Montserrat Coalition provides the foundational contour to my education as they have provided me with the financial means to be able to attend Boston College. I am deeply grateful to Geovanni Jones, Nijole Richards, Jeremiah Jefferson, and Father Michael Davidson S.J., for answering my multitude of questions, having me as a member of the team, and creating an atmosphere where no one belongs more than anyone else.
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Beginning in high school, I had always dreamed of attending Boston College. Upon receiving my acceptance, I eagerly enrolled in BC without even a glimpse of the campus. Despite only seeing it through my phone screen and learning about student life through its website, I had faith that I was making the best decision for myself. Still, I could never have predicted the tremendous impact of being a Boston College student on my personal development, goals, and
overall happiness.
Arriving at the Newton campus on my first day, worries clouded my mind. I feared leaving New York City for a completely unfamiliar place and occupied myself with anxieties about not finding a community on campus. Yet, I encountered the exact opposite. I quickly found
a group of friends who I now consider family. I surrounded myself with other BC students who were also as thrilled to embark on this new journey, taking advantage of any opportunities presented to them.
Because I started my freshman year at BC during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was
unaware of the numerous organizations and vibrant spaces on campus until my sophomore year. I completely immersed myself in BC life, joining the VIP dance team and the Dominican Association at Boston College. These organizations provided an outlet for my creativity and brought me closer to my passions. One of the most significant organizations I have been involved with is the Montserrat Coalition. The office has served as a safe space for students like myself, who
seek support and understanding amidst a large school community. I am immensely grateful for the encouragement I have received from all the faculty and staff in the Montserrat House. I will never forget my experience traveling to Jamaica with my peers on the Magis Service & Immersion Trip. It is a moment I’ll always carry with me, and I can’t thank Montserrat enough for it.
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In my four years at Boston College, I have grown to be open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, committed to justice, and loving as the Jesuit philosophy for a holistic education is summed up in this Latin phrase: cura personalis. The Jesuits believed that education must not only make us intelligently sound but emotionally connected with ourselves and other people. And in my college experience, I have found it so impactful as it has moved me to learn to radically love my peers and express gratitude to those who have helped me thus far. It has allowed me to see areas of the world that I have never seen and taught me to be for and with others. My time at Boston College is a time I would truly never forget because it has evoked me to ask the important questions to living a meaningful life.
This time wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful people who work at Montserrat. Montserrat has been my foundation to my experience as it provided me with the resources and learning tools that enabled me to become more intellectually curious with my academics. Additionally, Montserrat has provided financial assistance for me to participate in an abroad service opportunity to Jamaica that has forever changed my perspective on my purpose, and it gave me the chance to explore the state of Alabama and explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement and its monumental effect on our American society. As I now march forward closer to set the world aflame, I really would want to appreciate all who guided me to get to a point where I feel confident in myself and inspired to make a difference.
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Upcoming Events/Activities & Updates | |
Oscar A. Romero Scholarship Winner
We would like to congratulate Melanie Paredes ’25, on her recognition by the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success, who has been awarded the 2024 Saint Oscar A. Romero Scholarship.
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As a freshman at Boston College, I was introduced to the inspiring legacy of Saint Oscar Romero through the Options Through Education program. Learning about his beliefs pushed me to explore his teachings further. Little did I know that this exploration would lead me on a path to applying for and eventually being selected as the Saint Oscar Romero 2024 recipient. The decision to apply for the scholarship was driven by multiple factors. Firstly, I wanted to represent not only students of Dominican backgrounds but also to break barriers within my own community. Surprisingly, no student from the Dominican Association at Boston College had been a finalist for this prestigious scholarship before. This fact served as motivation for me to step forward.
“How can Boston College become a more inclusive environment?” This question made me pause and think about my experience here and the experience of my Afro-Latino peers. I stressed the importance of creating a more inclusive environment for all Latino students to not just fall on culture clubs. I proposed funding for a retreat dedicated to Latino experience and more programming that brings in Latinx professionals to speak to undergraduate students in all fields. Additionally I spoke about the need for Latinx clubs to do a better job at representing Black and Indigenous Latino/a’s. The Dominican Association here was the first to start an Afro-Latinx week dedicated to highlighting our Black Latino students on campus and I am proud to be a part of that. It is essential that we represent all Latino/a’s.
As the Romero Scholarship recipient of 2024, my biggest responsibility is to honor the legacy of the scholarship and to embody the values it represents during my time here and post graduation. This means not only excelling academically but also using the resources and platform afforded by the scholarship to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. My future career in changing and improving real estate laws is one that I must embark on so that I can continue giving back. Additionally, I see it as my duty to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting other students who are interested in the Saint Oscar Romero Scholarship.
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Congratulations to Nelson Teixeira Da Pedra on his Congressional Internship with Representative John Duarte of California's 13th District. | |
Frontier Fellowship- Athala Salcedo | |
"During my internship at the Embassy, I have had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the dynamic world of international trade and diplomacy. I sharpened my skills in market research and analysis by conducting comprehensive studies on key sectors like renewable energy, and leveraging federal databases, trade journals, and online resources to provide valuable insights for U.S. companies looking to expand into the French market. Representing the agency at international trade events was a highlight of my experience, allowing me to network with industry stakeholders, promote global trade relations, and showcase the agency's mission on a global stage. Additionally, assisting with the Embassy’s matchmaking services was both rewarding and challenging as I was able to connect U.S. companies with potential partners and distributors in France, facilitating negotiations, and fostering beneficial collaborations. Overall, my internship at the embassy was a transformative experience that equipped me with invaluable skills, insights, and a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in promoting and advancing global trade relations between the U.S. and France." | |
Jamaica Magis Service & Immersion Trip Reunion
Summer 2023 and Winter 2024 Groups
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Rite of Christian Initiation
On Saturday March 30, 2024, Chyanne Hudson (Second from the left) participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation where she stood amidst the parish community and stated that she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. We would like to congratulate Chyanne on this wonderful occasion.
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"I have experienced God’s grace and guidance even when I neglected my relationship with him. I saw reminders of his will through the amazing people I’ve been blessed enough to meet. Despite any hardships I was going through, God always helped me through them. My decision to get baptized came from my vast appreciation for what God has done in my life and the lives of those around me. I pray that God helps me align my will with his."
- Chyanne Hudson
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Messina College
The Montserrat Office anticipates receiving and welcoming 100 Messina College students who will be apart of the Montserrat Coalition in Fall 2024. Messina College offers a two-year associate's degree program that is entirely residential and is housed on the Boston College Brookline Campus. Each year the college will offer an associate's degree from Boston College to 100 first-generation students with high financial needs starting in the inaugural 2024–2025 academic year. Students at Messina College will have complete access to the Boston College campus, resources, and programs as undergraduates in the university's ninth school.
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Students visiting from St. Mary's Academy
Montserrat hosted 20 students at the office. The young ladies of St. Mary's Academy toured BC and met with staff members from various offices on campus.
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Students visiting from St. Mary's Academy
Montserrat Coalition, through the continued support and sponsorship of Macy's, hosted its 2nd Macy's Professional Clothing Shopping event for the participating students of the Montserrat Dinner Club. Through this initiative students were able to visit Macy's Department store (Downtown, Boston), receive advice on how to put together a professional wardrobe and spent some time shopping around. Montserrat Coalition is grateful for Macy's continued support to the students who participate in the Montserrat Dinner Club Program.
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About Montserrat Coalition | |
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36 College Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-3140
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