This morning, the first thing I did after waking up was go outside, let some chickens out of their coop, throw a cup of corn into their enclosure, refill their oats and water, and then get started with my actual work for the day. My work with Compass International [Family Center], as of now, has largely been virtual; the nonprofit’s needs primarily relate to social media and data collection, which I have taken joy in fulfilling. Some of my prior work with the university, such as my role as volunteer coordinator of St. Teresa of Avila’s Cafe Manna, has exposed me firsthand to many of the most vulnerable living within Valparaiso; however, my role at Compass has exposed me to a new angle by which I can approach caring for a population in need. My role is more administrative in character, at least as of now, and as such, it deals more directly with addressing issues that Compass faces as opposed to immediate care. I believe this is a good path for me to explore because it allows for the professionals who do volunteer work with us to do their job more easily and effectively.

From my economics and math background, I’ve had a lot of experience with research and problem solving, especially in terms of efficiency and complex language and terms. I believe that my time at Compass has given me a unique opportunity to implement that into a setting that actively benefits and assists those on the front lines of care that is needed in Valpo. I’m looking forward to work that I will be doing in the future, particularly both the work I’ll be doing on the ground with Compass participants, but also other ways I can assist the nonprofit administratively. Furthermore, I also appreciate the mission driven and Christian character of Compass International; as a Peer Minister at the St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center, faith is important to me personally, and I view the work that I do as an extension of it. Being able to work for such an important mission as helping international families and individuals grow accustomed to life in the United States is, to me, a textbook example of Matthew 25:35 (“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me”) being applied in modern life. Working for a mission based cause such as this excites me, and spiritually prepares me for what the rest of adulthood will eventually provide.

I would like to end by stating my gratitude toward everyone who has allowed me to thrive at this stage in my life. I would like to thank my family, friends, housemates, and faculty at Valparaiso University for giving me the opportunity to be a positive force within the greater Valparaiso community. Without your support, I surely would not have been able to make it as far as I have. May we all be inspired to live out the Gospel message and see Christ in each and every one of our neighbors.

Matthew Landum, Compass International Family Center