While in India, each student may choose to volunteer in one of the homes created by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. The students are also able to choose their level of involvement. For many, this means developing personal relationships with the people in the homes and for others, it means uncovering their potential to provide service and care while valuing the dignity and humanity of those they serve. Although a grant established by the University helps meet part of the costs, the scholars are working on several fundraising projects that include a Hunger Banquet, a garage sale and a benefit concert. The group relies heavily on the generosity of businesses, civic organizations, families and friends.
Donations are tax deductible.
And, after spending my four most formative years with people very similar to myself, the question that plagues me is something no one asks. If I were to select the human being on the planet who was most different from myself, I would probably chose someone who lived in the slums of Calcutta. During my journey to India, I will literally kneel beside someone of a different ethnicity, a different religion, and a different socioeconomic level. It is unlikely that any of our experiences will correspond, or even that we'll be able to communicate verbally. However, it is these differences that will illuminate the unmistakable human connection.