UC Student Thankful for ‘Life Lesson’ She’s Learned by Volunteering

When Zoe Rassati began volunteering at St. Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM) as a high school student, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Her first day working in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room left her in tears — in the best possible way.

“I cried from all the gratitude,” says Zoe, 19. “I knew it was such a special place and I knew it was what I wanted to do with my time.”

What started as a way to fulfill her service-hour requirement at Notre Dame Academy has become a way of life for Zoe, who just completed her first year as a Law and Society major at the University of Cincinnati. Despite her busy class schedule, Zoe has continued to volunteer regularly at SFSM. She served dinner every night during UC’s spring break and encouraged friends to come and share in the experience.

For Zoe, the best part about serving is the people she meets, both her fellow volunteers and the guests who come for dinner. Thinking back to that first night, she remembers coming in with ideas about who — and how — the guests might be. She quickly discovered she had much more to learn.

“Everyone was super nice and not intimidating at all,” she says. “It’s a shame that the perspective of them is not the best. This has been a life lesson in so many different ways. It’s taught me about the community and what I want to do with my life and my career. It’s taught me about myself, too. I learn something every time I go there.”

Zoe has developed an especially close relationship with Jim*, a guest with a fondness for American history. While she was studying history in high school, Jim would quiz her on the U.S. Constitution. To thank him, Zoe gave Jim two books, including a pocket-sized booklet about the constitution that he still carries with him.

“I really do cherish him,” Zoe says.

Zoe plans to attend law school, and though she isn’t yet sure which area of law she’ll focus on, she says SFSM has helped her discover an interest in social justice.

Volunteering has enabled Zoe to recognize the advantages she has in life and inspired her to give back to her community. For that, she will always be thankful, just as she was when she finished that first dinner shift.

“I love serving there, and I leave every time really happy and grateful,” Zoe says. “I am just as grateful to be there as the guests are grateful for me to be there. It’s been wonderful.”

*Name changed for privacy.