By Ashley Paredes ’25
In mid-September, the class of 2025 began its Monday morning service at over 40 different service sites across Dallas. The seniors have been putting in two hours of service weekly, working at schools, food pantries and senior living homes.
Ursuline’s motto of Serviam motivates Ursuline students to pursue a life of service. As a graduation requirement, Ursuline seniors are required to serve at an approved service site of their choice for two hours every Monday morning, rather than going to their first class of the day.
This year, there are 41 service sites that Ursuline seniors serve at. Some of the most popular are the Notre Dame School of Dallas, the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and other schools and learning centers in the Dallas area.
Seniors were asked to share experiences about their service around Dallas.
“I love it! My favorite part is helping the kids read and see their reactions when they get the answers correct. Their faces just light up,” Lucy Van Meir, Ursuline senior who serves at Tom C. Gooch Elementary, said. “The kids work so hard but are in underprivileged conditions, so they don’t always have access to the help they deserve,”
Seniors who work at schools serve to be a teacher aid. Many help students learn how to read and write and sometimes act as tutors.
“I get to help second graders who are struggling with reading. It truly is the highlight of my week. They are so curious and talkative and there is never a dull moment,” Annabella Dunn, Ursuline senior who serves at the Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy, said.
The class of 2025 has kept a positive attitude about their service, making quick friends with those they serve.
“I love my service! The kids are the absolute best part of the service, I always get so excited to see them every week,” Kate Walsh, Ursuline senior who serves at the Notre Dame School of Dallas, said. “My favorite part is doing fun dances with the younger kids as they learn their alphabet.”
In addition to schools and educational centers, many seniors serve at food pantries. Food pantries serve thousands of Dallas residents, providing basic necessities for families who can not afford it.
“I love my service so much! My favorite part so far has been giving the boxes of food to the people who order within the community, it is so nice to see your work be put to good use especially when the people are so kind and appreciative,” Sydney Robinson, Ursuline senior who serves at Voice of Hope Food Pantry, said.
Like the work at Voice of Hope, many seniors also serve at Genesis Women’s Shelter, Austin Street Center and Attitudes and Attires.
All the service sites have a goal of aiding those who provide for the Dallas community. Ursuline seniors also serve at animal shelter and nursing homes around town.
“I’ve really been enjoying my service! I work with seniors with health issues, whether it be because of surgery or long-term. I hand out their morning activities flyer to each of them, and I love seeing their faces. Each of them is so happy to see me, and they always find a way to keep me in their room for as long as possible,” Isabel Pyle, Ursuline Senior who works at Legacy Senior Communities, said.
One month in, the class of 2025 has stayed committed to the Ursuline motto of Serviam through their senior service. Many have built strong relationships through their service and are positively contributing to their community.
THE BEAR FACTS 