Falcon Of The Week: Nia Jones

Meet a selfless junior who takes pride in spending her time helping others.

Nia Jones (’14) is one busy student. The junior has played softball for two years at Christian Brothers, is the co-president of the popular BSU club, and enjoys sitting in on Political Club meetings.

But Nia recently added another notch to her resume, as she has just recently returned from Venaver, Christian Brother’s yearly service excursion.

“It is definitely an experience I will remember forever,” the says. “I’m extremely grateful to live in a country where I have the opportunity to achieve my dreams”

The Venaver retreat took place in San Diego from October 14th-20th. The words Ven-a-ver means “come and see” in Spanish and the participants traveled to see what life was like for the people on the border who are desperate to come to America.

Venaver provided Nia with the chance to visit the border headquarters along Tijuana, Mexico, managed the organization of Catholic Charities. This experience gave her the opportunity to speak with immigrants.

Her and the other retreants took part in service as well, including providing water in the desert for crossing immigrants and making crosses for immigrants who were unable to survive the long journey across the desert.

The most memorable part of Nia’s trip was speaking to a man named Victor, an immigrant who shared his story.

“Victor said, ‘It’s so hard’, and that really touched me because I could never imagine being in his position, fighting everyday to give my family a better life in another country,” Nia said. “It would be difficult to be away from them.”

The opportunity cost for experiencing such a life changing adventure was missing a week of school. Although she has to make up a large number of assignments, Nia definitely feels it was worth it.

Now that Nia has returned home her outlook on immigration has changed drastically. She has a strong opinion about politics revolving around the topic. Not only has Venaver effected her political views, but her outlook on life.

“I have never thought much about living in America, but Venaver made me realize how fortunate I am to live in this country”

Nia has offered her time to recognize and help those less fortunate. She traveled outside of her comfort zone in her first attempt to become a well rounded person. Nia represented the Christian Brothers community in showing the value of service, just in time for the Holidays.