Your Voice Counts!

Fairfield might not be the most diverse school in the country however we do embrace diversity. I have learned from the people at Fairfield that everyone is diverse in their own way and I did not have to try hard in order to fit into “foreign cultures.” Everyone is proud of who they are and enjoys sharing how their culture influences their lives. I think that I have benefited most from the knowledge that other students share with me. Everyone has their strong and weak academic points so just allowing myself to keep an open mind and learn from other students has taught me to keep an open mind about people and not to stereotype or assume something about them. Most of the students, faculty and administrators will answer any questions and do not pass judgments because you asked them. A suggestion I would have about how to avoid cultural misunderstandings is to not be afraid to talk to others. When you meet someone you are both in same boat of awkwardness and potential misunderstandings, so just be yourself and don’t be afraid to step out of the comfort zone and talk to someone you might not usually have spoken to.

Have you ever discovered that you were misunderstanding a situation due to cultural differences? Share your story by leaving a response below.

Greg Mortensen asks a key Ignatian question, “How am I called to make a difference in the world?” Three Cups of Tea is not only a story of one man’s work in making a difference but a journey of discernment where he finds the best use of his unique talents. Mr. Mortensen’s journey has been a lifelong journey that has continued through a lifetime of searching for where his talents, skills and passions would best serve the world.

As entering new students to Fairfield University, you have a unique opportunity to enter a learning community that will empower a journey to find your calling. In this community, you also have a responsibility – a duty really to realize your own potential, to share your passions and to make a difference in the lives of those you touchVery few of us will build schools in Pakistan; however, we can all make life a bit easier, a bit better and a lot stronger in our immediate communities

We can approach every interaction we have with others as a moment of sacredness. We can take the time to truly listen to the dreams, fears, hopes and anxieties of our new roommates, floormates and classmates. We can share our most authentic selves by sharing with courage our curiosities, our values and our traditions. We can be open to the experiences of others without judgment but with love and empathy. Mortensen’s question is inherently Ignatian because he asks us to consider how we are called to serve for the greater glory of God.

When you arrive at Fairfield, how will you BE? How will you explore your passions? How will discover your talents? How will you serve others? How will you be open to the lives of others you meet? And most importantly, how will you BE and DO in your community?

Welcome to Fairfield University and thank you for the difference you will make in our community

Deborah Cady Melzer, Ph.D
Dean of Student Development

As you finish reading 3 Cups of Tea and prepare to begin your 4 year “climb” at Fairfield, I encourage you to take the time to reflect upon how this book relates to your future at Fairfield University.

Mortenson was a man struggling to find his true passion in life. He knew what he liked, but he wanted to know what gave purpose to his life. He found it while getting lost hiking down a mountain. As you enter Fairfield this fall, you will be presented with many experiences within the classroom, your residence halls and within the greater Fairfield Community. As you engage in these opportunities, try to discover your true passion. I hope you use the next four years to discover YOUR PURPOSE

Have you had the A-HAH moment that led you to change direction in your life? Share your story by clicking on the Comments link, below.