Sophomore Mia Krusinski received the Serviam Award at a special liturgy for the sophomore class on Wednesday, January 31.
The Ursuline Mothers' Club Beth Rayfield Memorial Challenge Award, or the Serviam Award, recognizes a member of the sophomore class who embodies the principles of Serviam (Latin for 'I will serve'). The award is made on the basis of a written student reflection and individual record of service.
Mia went on a one-week mission trip to New Orleans with her church, Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, in Carrollton.
"Seeing so much need on this mission trip opened my eyes to pay attention to what's happening right in front of me," Krusinski said. "Many of us are really fortunate, and sometimes you need a different perspective, and this trip gave me that."
She volunteered at PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and the Rebuild Center, a safe haven for the homeless. Guided by New Orleans nun, Sister Theresa, Mia also talked and prayed with people in a very poor neighborhood.
"We prayed with them for three hours," Krusinski said. "Their houses were barely standing up, but they loved seeing us and getting to know us. It was so nice to hear people's stories."
Mia continues to volunteer at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church as a religious education teacher for children. Mia also loves science and soccer. Mia is a goaltender at Ursuline, and she's played soccer since she was 4 years old. She's also in the Pro-Life Club, Arabic Club, and Italian Club.
In the future, Mia wants to be a doctor in less fortunate countries.
"I went into my week in New Orleans with an open mind, but I also left with an open heart, filled with the love of Christ," she said.