In 1980, he explains, Boston had just come through racially tense times with the busing crisis. That tension could be felt on the Hill, but whenever he got discouraged about his experience he would again be exposed to the warmth of the community. Grain is constantly reminded of how well-prepared he was by the breadth and depth of his liberal arts education, and the Jesuit nature of the Holy Cross experience only made the education richer, he says. You bring a different level of consciousness to your life. There s a greater degree of conscience in your decision making that I credit to a Jesuit education.
Grain has one regret.
I was too focused on getting on with things, paying loans and getting established. I wish I had taken the opportunity to make a difference in people s lives before joining the hustle and bustle. Grain concedes that the financial support he gives the College makes a difference, but says, there s no substitute for youthful energy at the point of conflict. He thinks too many people, including himself, wait until later to contribute to others. Grain wishes he had given more of himself more often and earlier and plans to impart that lesson to his children.