Augustinian Volunteers are challenged not simply to ask the question, what do I want to do with my life? But also, who do I want to be? While there are many professional skills and competencies to be gained during a year of service, there is perhaps even more to be gained personally.
Intentional community can be both challenging and rewarding. While volunteers get to know each other, they also have the opportunity gain a more complete understanding of themselves and who they are becoming. While volunteers encounter new challenges, they also receive support from their peers, local Augustinian friars and the AV staff. It is a full and exciting year!
Becky Coyle Mueller
San Diego 07-08
My experience as an AV provided both personal and spiritual growth. Living in community with roommates and developing those lifelong relationships was instrumental in my growth. My volunteer experience allowed me to have greater appreciation for the ‘little things in life.’ Working with the underserved built my empathy towards this population, and provided a greater understanding of the challenges faced by the marginalized. This growth shaped my enthusiasm for equity and social justice.
Kelsey Goldstoff
San Diego 18-19
The AV experience helped show me that I am passionate about providing healthcare to people experiencing homelessness. I use lessons that I learned from my AV year on a regular basis while working as a nurse at a hospital in San Diego.
Patrick McDonell
Peru 2017
I am more self-reflective as a result of my AV year. Living in community was such a blessing, and I learned so much from my community-mates. I listen more actively, apologize more readily, and celebrate the accomplishments of others with more passion than ever before. I miss living in community but still try to practice the lessons I learned in my daily life.