Spotlight

Year: Senior
Major: Catholic Studies and Print Journalism
Minor:Visual Communications
Hometown: Brookfield, WI

Why did you come to UST?
I was looking for a school with both a solid theology program and an inviting study abroad program. A relative suggested that I check out UST. The Catholic Studies program offered me the chance of learning about my faith, and provided me with the opportunity to study in Rome. It truly was the Catholic Studies program that drew me to this school, and it has been the source of much grace and happiness ever since.

What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow?
I am truly honored to have been selected from such an inspiring group of students. To live out my faith daily, and to find God’s will for me in my life, is something I continue to struggle with. But I hope that, in becoming an Aquinas Fellow, I may be an example to those students who also struggle, and who want to find their vocation and become the person God wants them to become. I am so far from reaching that goal myself! But through my involvement on campus and the relationships I have formed here at UST, I see God directing me and pointing out his will for me. I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life, and living out my vocation is a constant challenge, and a gift. The support flowing from my professors, friends, and classmates is overwhelmingly beautiful.

What has been your most valuable experience at UST?
Studying abroad in Rome taught me so much about my faith and my own strengths and weaknesses. It was remarkable to walk through the cobblestone streets, through the history of the Church, daily; to attend school at a Pontifical university; to live through the delights and disappointments of the ancient city; all the while truly experiencing the universality of the Catholic Church. It was four months of struggle and happiness that has and will continue to shape the rest of my life.

How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation?
Being surrounded by so many amazing students and faculty will provide me with numerous examples of loving Christ. I know I will only grow in my faith and learn to trust implicitly in the will of God.

What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation?
All you can do is pray. Discerning your vocation seems like such a daunting task, but it really means just trusting in God and letting go of your own plans for yourself. You can only prepare yourself so much before you realize you just have to hand it over to God, and let Him tell you what He wants. It can be difficult to do, but making time for prayer is so essential.

Aquinas Fellowship Recipients
VIEW OTHER SPOTLIGHTS	Erin Dolan Aquinas Fellow
	Year: Senior Major: Catholic Studies and Print Journalism Minor:Visual Communications Hometown: Brookfield, WI Why did you come to UST? I was looking for a school with both a solid theology program and an inviting study abroad program. A relative suggested that I check out UST. The Catholic Studies program offered me the chance of learning about my faith, and provided me with the opportunity to study in Rome. It truly was the Catholic Studies program that drew me to this school, and it has been the source of much grace and happiness ever since. What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow? I am truly honored to have been selected from such an inspiring group of students. To live out my faith daily, and to find God’s will for me in my life, is something I continue to struggle with. But I hope that, in becoming an Aquinas Fellow, I may be an example to those students who also struggle, and who want to find their vocation and become the person God wants them to become. I am so far from reaching that goal myself! But through my involvement on campus and the relationships I have formed here at UST, I see God directing me and pointing out his will for me. I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life, and living out my vocation is a constant challenge, and a gift. The support flowing from my professors, friends, and classmates is overwhelmingly beautiful. What has been your most valuable experience at UST? Studying abroad in Rome taught me so much about my faith and my own strengths and weaknesses. It was remarkable to walk through the cobblestone streets, through the history of the Church, daily; to attend school at a Pontifical university; to live through the delights and disappointments of the ancient city; all the while truly experiencing the universality of the Catholic Church. It was four months of struggle and happiness that has and will continue to shape the rest of my life. How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation? Being surrounded by so many amazing students and faculty will provide me with numerous examples of loving Christ. I know I will only grow in my faith and learn to trust implicitly in the will of God. What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation? All you can do is pray. Discerning your vocation seems like such a daunting task, but it really means just trusting in God and letting go of your own plans for yourself. You can only prepare yourself so much before you realize you just have to hand it over to God, and let Him tell you what He wants. It can be difficult to do, but making time for prayer is so essential.