Alliance for Catholic Education
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word community as a unified body of individuals that are connected through a common goal or belief. ACE uses this idea of community to describe the communal living that takes place within our placement sites. Although this focused idea of community helps to further the mission of the four to six ACErs in a community, it also provides a foundation for the friendships that form throughout the shared experience of teaching. Through ACE, the friendships and communities that are formed over the summer do not end as the school year begins, but instead create new opportunities to explore the United States through the lens of other ACE communities.
Growing up, I always imagined traveling and seeing the United States. I was born and raised in Ohio, and attended undergrad at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Living in Ohio allowed me to build a strong, but localized, community of friends and family. After spending so much time here, it felt scary to step out of my comfort zone, to live somewhere new, and to experience different cultures. ACE has given me the opportunity to build a larger community of people with similar values, beliefs, and interests which made moving away from home much easier.
Through ACE, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to new places, experience new cultures, and grow in relationships with other ACErs. I am placed in Mobile, Alabama, a small city located on the Gulf Shores of the United States—a location where I never thought I’d live. Through this central location, I have the unique opportunity to be a part of a close knit group of ACE communities all located in the Southeast Region. Mobile is centrally located to Pensacola, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge, who have become my family away from home.
Being just hours away from these communities has given me the opportunity to spend my weekends at the beach, experiencing New Orleans Mardi Gras, witness events at Tiger Stadium, and explore the cities that other ACE communities call home.
The Pensacola community has become a home away from home. Being just a short, hour drive away has allowed me to further the relationships I had built over ACE summer. Whether it's going to the beach, dinner and a Notre Dame football game with the Notre Dame Club of Pensacola, or just hanging out at the Pensacola house, there is always something that brings me back to this community.
New Orleans Mardi Gras is something that I never imagined I would experience, especially with a group of amazing friends. Being surrounded by so many people, seeing the parades, and experiencing a tradition that is such an important part of the city was an experience I will not forget. Getting to experience it alongside other ACE teachers made the experience even more meaningful because we were able to create memories together outside of our schools and communities.
Jazz Fest was another opportunity to experience a different side of New Orleans. The festival is more than just a weekend of music; it is a celebration of the culture, history, food, and people of Louisiana. Walking around the festival, hearing different styles of music, and experiencing the energy of the city helped me better understand what makes New Orleans such a special place. Experiences like Jazz Fest have reminded me that one of the greatest parts of ACE is the opportunity to step outside of my own community and learn from the communities around me.
My time in Baton Rouge has also given me opportunities to connect with other ACE communities. One of my favorite experiences was going to see Zach Bryan at LSU with friends from the Baton Rouge and New Orleans ACE communities. What made the experience special was not just the concert itself, but getting to spend time with people who I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to know.
I also had the opportunity to take a weekend trip to Miami with some of my best friends I have met through ACE. After spending so much of our time focused on teaching, our students, and our responsibilities, it was refreshing to step away for a weekend and simply enjoy being together. We were able to spend quality time together and see a new place and culture.
Visiting other communities has become one of my favorite parts of my ACE experience. Whether it is celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, listening to music and trying Cajun food at Jazz Fest, going to a concert in Baton Rouge, or exploring Miami with friends, these experiences have allowed me to grow beyond my classroom and my own community. They have helped me appreciate the different cultures and communities around me while also giving me the opportunity to build friendships with people who share this unique ACE experience.