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Mary Maidment: Service

Hi! My name is Mary Maidment and I am from Portland, Oregon. I am studying neuroscience with a minor in psychology on the pre-med track. On campus, I work as an events assistant and as an Ambassador, frequently giving tours. When I have free time, I love to be outside hiking, shopping, intramural sports, workout classes, and spending time with friends. This year, my team won our softball and volleyball intramural championships!! I have been busy watching the new Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season and just finished Scandal. What drew me to Setons was the Service pillar. Since I was young, my family has made an effort to be actively involved in different forms of service in our community. We spent time at our church, local food bank, community garden, and my favorite was making clothing bags for children in need. I loved picking outfits and giving toys, games, and other activities. The Gonzaga community reflects this deeply ingrained value I have, which is the importance of service and ...
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Sonal Lal: Learning the true definition of hospitality

Last month, Ryan Songey and I volunteered at student mass on campus. I grew up practicing Hinduism and up until that night, I had never stepped foot in our college hall chapel, let alone attended a student mass. I also never experienced “hospitality” in a context other than the Indian practices of this: offering flower garlands, refreshments, and positive words to guests. I didn’t understand how I was supposed to overcome my hesitations and fears that came with these religious differences, in order to genuinely welcome students and practice hospitality in a manner that I didn’t think I understood quite yet. However, the beautiful part of this story is that it happened more naturally than I would have expected.

I found myself surrounded by people who appreciated my presence and efforts to help out at mass that night, regardless of our differences. I also learned that the act of being “hospitable” is (religiously) universal although it may be expressed in a number of unique ways; the goal is to simply make people feel like they belong and that they are not strangers. While it was scary putting myself out there that night, I will forever be grateful to Setons for this opportunity. It opened my eyes to the fact that I am in a wonderful community that will support me as I am challenged to grow and better myself as an individual.

-Sonal Lal
Seton of Gonzaga 
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