Beyond the Classroom

Danielle DouglasCriminal Justice Major, Dual Degree Program

"I've always believed in giving back. It's part of my Catholic faith and it's one of the reasons I chose Molloy.

"While I looked at other schools before choosing Molloy, the fact that it's a small, private Catholic college just felt right to me. Volunteering and campus ministry was part of my life in high school so it was second nature for me to get involved here at Molloy.

"I participate in 'BoxTown at Bethany' fundraiser every year with the Bethany House for homeless women. These are women who come from all walks of life; some have been abused or come from other horrible situations. We get to know the women and understand where they're coming from. Then we sleep outside and see what it feels like to be homeless for just one night. The first year I did it, it rained. We also distribute sandwiches and coats to the homeless in Manhattan during the Midnight Run.

"Over the summer, I baby-sat at 'MOMMAS House', a Wantagh home for young mothers and their babies. Now, I've put together a group of Molloy students who come with me and help out around MOMMAS during the school year. All this has taught me to be grateful for what I have. When you talk to all these different girls and women, it hits home. You realize that any day, this could happen to me."