“ My intellectual curiosity — initially developed at Saint David ’ s — is what drove me to seek out these differing viewpoints , but I believe true kindness lies in synthesizing them .”
“ My intellectual curiosity — initially developed at Saint David ’ s — is what drove me to seek out these differing viewpoints , but I believe true kindness lies in synthesizing them .”
initially developed at Saint David ’ s — is what drove me to seek out these differing viewpoints , but I believe true kindness lies in synthesizing them . Through my own experiences talking to hundreds of people affected by immigration as well as leaders of several service-based initiatives , I learned that acts of kindness and service largely exist in dialectical truths — solutions where no one side is totally correct . While there are many things we can do that undoubtedly promote the universal dignity of human life , most issues are far less clear and require discernment to join seemingly opposite beliefs .
While critical analysis is certainly an important skill in the manifestation of kindness , there are far more simple — yet equally as important — acts of kindness which present themselves as options to us every day and are necessary in any critical analysis . In my experience writing asylum applications , the first minute of an interaction with a client is the most important . Coming from Saint David ’ s , I was taught the value of a firm handshake and eye contact since shaking hands with Dr . O ’ Halloran on my first day of kindergarten . When meeting with a client , that same firm Saint David ’ s handshake ( and the accompanying eye contact ) was the determining factor in how comfortable they would be during this several-hour process . This small , universally recognized act of kindness and mutual respect showed my willingness to help and my recognition of this person as someone deserving of my respect .
While critical analysis is necessary to be a leader within service initiatives , simple everyday acts of kindness are the bedrock upon which all human connections are built . While on the border , I utilized the handshake to help build connections with ranchers and migrants who were perhaps reluctant to share their personal experiences with a teenage boy from New York City . Furthermore , throughout my work in New York City , there were many times where I was unable to communicate with a client simply because they spoke French or Russian or another language I did not know . While we used professional translators to translate their accounts , the only medium I could use to personally greet my client was the handshake , simply because of its sheer power as a symbol of kindness transcending linguistic barriers . While I never had an interest in immigrants ’ rights during my time at Saint David ’ s , the lessons I learned there have continued to serve me far more than any professional training I have received . This year ’ s theme of kindness is truly fitting because there is no aspect of Saint David ’ s that does not emphasize the fundamental intellectual and interpersonal skills required to be a kind man . •
Luke Dolan ’ 19 credits his fluency in Spanish to the Spanish immersion program at Saint David ’ s . He is also a graduate of Regis (’ 23 ) and currently in his freshman year at Cornell University .
Winter 2024 • 23