Each student's journey at Holy Cross is unique. After arriving on campus, emotions can range from the excitement of starting something new to the sadness of leaving something familiar behind and everything in between. It may take time to feel like they belong. So we’ve asked our students: when was the moment you fell in love with Holy Cross?
Bobbie Pitts ’27 reflects on how her community-based learning courses helped her find a passion – and a purpose – in giving back to the Worcester community:
"Being able to participate in community service at Holy Cross was something I looked forward to the most in my college experience. Then I got the opportunity to experience community-based learning (CBL) directly in the classroom. My first experience with a CBL course was with my Montserrat class, “The Nature of Worcester,” where every week we would take a trip to Green Island to learn more about the history of the island. We got to talk to the developers of Polar Park, residents who have been there their whole life, politicians and the owner of Worcester Public Market. Hearing all of the different perspectives of people living in Worcester has given me a better understanding of Worcester and fueled my need to help the city more throughout my time here, which led me to different CBL courses.
During my Montserrat class in my second semester of college, I got the opportunity to participate in a community service project once a week. I had the opportunity to work with a non-profit organization right here in Worcester that specializes in helping those in need, called Pernet Family Health Services. Every week, I would visit their pantry, where I would help package food care packages for those in need in Worcester.
By attending my CBL every week, I continued my desire to help those who are less fortunate by taking more classes that had a CBL component added to them. The following fall, I decided to take 'Reproductive Justice,' which led me to learn more about another non-profit here in Worcester: Together for Kids Coalition. With this program, we as a class had to research and figure out the benefits of an early childhood intervention program for children in need right here in Worcester.
My most recent CBL that I have taken is one for my 'Brazilian Immigration' class, where I would travel to Worcester Tech High School every week to tutor or help Brazilian students with the college process. With this course, I was able to learn a lot more about Brazilian culture, which helped me have a better understanding of my students during this time. I met amazing students who have a great interest in college, and I am glad that I was able to help, even if it was a small influence on them.
