Service at Mayfield is about far more than meeting a requirement
Mayfield’s Actions Not Words spirit came alive on campus when representatives from more than 30 non-profit organizations throughout the region attended our annual Campus Ministry Service Fair.
Mayfield’s Actions Not Words spirit came alive on campus when representatives from more than 30 non-profit organizations throughout the region attended our annual Campus Ministry Service Fair.
The school-wide, event offered students a first-hand look at how their help is direly needed to tutor underserved children, tend to the elderly, serve food to the homeless, organize a baby diaper drive for new mothers in need, and many other activities.
Campus Minister Teri Gonzales encouraged girls to “find their passion and serve with love” as an expression of our Holy Child philosophy, which calls on us to become joyful women of faith who respect the dignity of others.
All Mayfield students are required to perform 20 hours of community service during the school year. Ms. Gonzales said the Service Fair is an important bridge to service because girls see a diversity of needs in the community so they can choose “what they love and what they care for the most because that will give them purpose.”
Chris Sariego from St. Vincent de Paul encouraged girls to “step out of your comfort zone” and volunteer at one of the organization’s sites that shelters the homeless or feeds the hungry.
Children’s service organizations like LAMP, a Holy Child ministry, needs tutors, assistant teachers and companions for youth. Homeless and poverty groups, including the Foothill Unity Center and Door of Hope in Pasadena, need workers to help with food distribution and serve meals. AIDS Walk LA needs event helpers. Alhambra Wellness needs eldercare visitors and companions.
“It’s so important to know that we can work for the betterment of our community,” said Audrey Leung ’22, who wants to serve with a group that assists the elderly. “There are so many people so close to us that need help.”
After hearing from a number of organizations, Kelly Yatsko '22 realized that her service has little to do with meeting a requirement. “It’s about lending a hand and knowing that you can help others.”
Indeed, Ms. Gonzales said most Mayfield students exceed the 20-hour requirement.
“For so so many of our students, it’s not about logging hours,” she said. “It’s about understanding that our faith compels us to serve and when that happens it’s not about hours—it’s about who you are becoming.”
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
