After graduation, student hopes to take social justice work to the next level

by Camille D'Arienzo

NCR Contributor

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Cara, at a time when our Earth is so abused, so taken for granted, it was a relief to learn of your efforts to raise awareness by participating in the People's Climate March. How many participated in this action?

There were eight students at the climate march, and the students were either members of the student group, Students for Global Justice, or CRS student ambassadors.

Where was it held?

We started our morning bright and early in front of St. Thomas More Church on St. John's University campus with muffins and a sending-off prayer. We then traveled into Midtown Manhattan and met with the rest of the Vincentian Family in the religious section of the march.

What was your role in it?

My role was that of a student leader. I helped organize the student participation along with Anna Misleh and Laura Dease.

Who or what inspired you to get involved in this effort?

My parents raised me to be conscious of my impact and my role in the world and as part of a global community. I grew up seeing the simple things: My father gave blood religiously every four weeks. My mother was running around working and taking care of my family. She often made meals for other members of the community who were sick or suffering. Having a prayer board that always included global issues and our free discussion around the dinner table sparked my interest in social justice and a global common good.

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