The following interview originally published in the Spring 2021 edition of The Companion.

Parents often play an important role in a prospective volunteer’s discernment of a year of service. If their child chooses to say yes to service,  parental support of and interest in their child’s experience also impacts the  service year.  BSVM alum and current BSVM Volunteer Recruiter, Paula Hastings (BSVM ’18-’19) is blessed to have strong parental support for her choice to dedicate a year of her life to service.

When Paula’s mother, Mary Vatterott Hastings, was asked how she saw her daughter grow during Paula’s time with Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry, she had much to say. As a parent of several children who committed to serve during their gap year and as physician who has worked in academic medicine, Mary offers insight and a unique perspective on the benefits of serving with BSVM.

Q: How did you see your daughter grow during her time with BSVM?

A: I saw my daughter grow in her faith during her time with BSVM. The curriculum prepared her externally for a life of service while strengthening her inner life and jumpstarting her faith journey.  She grew in compassion and understanding as she walked with those who are marginalized and heard their stories. These opportunities for empathy are a tremendous asset for young adults to experience no matter which professional path they choose. Paula grew in her appreciation and practice of doing things with intention. Her choices to live simply and nurture her prayer life are an example to the rest of us. She has enhanced her communication skills, especially those surrounding difficult conversations. These will serve her professional life and her future personal relationships.

Q: Were you concerned about Paula not getting a ‘real job’ after graduation? How were those concerns allayed?

A: Our life job is to grow into good human beings and to be exposed to areas outside of our sphere.  Time with BSVM does just that. It will enhance who your child is in a positive way for the rest of their life.

Paula did a long and thoughtful discernment process before joining BSVM, so I trusted that she made the decision that was right for her. As the current BSVM Volunteer Recruiter, I see her walking this discernment path with prospective applicants to make sure it is the best fit for all involved. If parents have concerns about their child delaying entrance into grad school, I’d tell them that time in service will help your child grow as an individual and have better insight into what will be the best direction for them in the future.

A year of service can also prepare your child to mature into a well-rounded adult. I was on the admission committee in my medical school and helped choose residents for several different Family Medicine residencies. We were able to see a higher level of focus and maturity in those who had done a service year.  When there is a pool of applicants that are all very qualified, one must look for evidence of commitment and being well-rounded.

Q: Since you have had more than one child participate in service programs, what set BSVM apart from other programs?

A: My other children have also done service years after college. BSVM stands out in that it has an intentional approach toward community living in the setting of individual faith formation. Paula’s BSVM community was more focused on interpersonal relationships and of being supportive of one another than other communities I had seen. I was impressed by her community members and witnessed the close bonds that they had formed. I was pleased to see their deep level of commitment to living together with intention.  Her experience of community was much richer than a house where people lived together while in college or while working a first job. She was also able to gain from her interactions with the Catholic Worker House located next door to the volunteer house.

Q: What would you say to parents who may have reservations about their child doing a service year?

A: Trust your child.  BSVM is steeped in helping your child follow the right path for him or her.  I think your young adult is taking a very thoughtful and courageous choice. Trust that the Spirit is leading them where they need to be.