After the 1977 riots in Detroit, I taught social studies and religion at De Porres for seven years. During that time, I created a new religion curriculum that was sensitive to the Black students and their culture, taught Spanish, American History, and various religion classes. I also did some campus ministry, planning retreats and retreat days. I was also the class monitor for the Senior class, which involved helping students plan homecoming, senior prom, graduation, and generally being there for whomever needed help, academic or otherwise. For me, it was a huge gift. I had never felt quite confident as a teacher, but I was so welcomed by students and faculty there, that I grew professionally. I’m still in touch with some my former students, who have gone on to become teachers, authoresses, business-people, physicians, and community leaders. Many of them were the first in their families to earn a high school diploma. (To learn more about Mary's ministries, click on the links under her picture.)
Relationship to the Society:
RSCJ
