Sometimes it can take many years before we see the fruit of our labors as ministers in God’s Church. But sometimes it unfolds right before our eyes. Two summers ago, I led an International Holy Cross SERVE trip to Bangladesh for a group of six students and one other staff member from King’s College. For me, this was a blessed opportunity not only to share the internationality of our Holy Cross family with our King’s family but also to share with them the people I had come to love during my year in Bangladesh. At a certain level, I knew that this had the potential to be impactful for our group from King’s. But sometimes I worry that the memories will fade and that once we are back in the United States, people will slowly forget the experiences they had, the people they met, and the lessons they learned.
One of our honored graduating seniors this year was on that trip. Kaliyah was invited to speak to a group of faculty, staff, and fellow seniors about her time at King’s. Her words reveal how deeply impacted she was by our time in Bangladesh and how that moment has shaped who she has become today. I am so proud of Kaliyah and so grateful for her, and I share her words because I could not write anything better myself. I hope that her words offer an insight into the impact a Holy Cross education and our international Holy Cross community can have on young women and men today.
“Good evening everyone,
As I reflect on my time at King’s College, I realize that this place has given me far more than an education—it’s given me direction, confidence, and purpose. As you all know, King’s doesn’t only teach us how to make a living, but how to live.
When I first joined King’s, as a commuter I stayed in my comfort zone. I came to campus, went to class, and went straight back home. I wasn’t taking in all that the campus had to offer. But after I settled in, I began to branch out. I met new people, tried new things, started saying “yes” more often, and began stepping outside of my comfort zone.
That led me to one of the most meaningful—but uncomfortable—experiences of my life: I signed up for Summer SERVE through the Shoval Center and traveled over 13 hours away to a small country in South Asia called Bangladesh. There, I fully immersed myself in the Bengali culture. I sang and danced, shared meals with many, and exchanged perspectives. I also witnessed the daily struggles many people face, reminding me to slow down, reflect, and appreciate what I have.
That experience taught me the importance of service, gratitude, and connection. When I returned home, I felt called to give back more—to serve my community, support my campus, and step up as a leader whenever I could.
I share this story with you because it taught me something I hope you carry with you beyond graduation: growth begins when you get uncomfortable.
In Bangladesh, I was in a completely different environment—surrounded by a different language, a different culture, and a different standard of living. That trip, along with many other uncomfortable experiences, helped shape me into the person I am today.
So as we approach graduation—a truly challenging, unfamiliar, and transformative milestone—I want to encourage you to stay uncomfortable. Keep taking bold steps. Keep being ambitious. Keep making an impact on the world around you.”
– Kaliyah Brown, King’s College Class of ‘25
Br. Jimmy Henke, C.S.C
Published on May 14, 2025
