Student Assistant Damen 217 smiklius@luc.edu Major: Theology Minor: Peace Studies

I am excited to be part of the THEA team because I firmly believe that my Catholic faith calls me to do justice; this includes addressing the complexity of climate change on both an individual and institutional level. Pope Francis calls us time and time again to work against “throwaway culture” and to be mindful about the ways in which our actions affect our beautiful earth. Because climate change is real, and sadly, disproportionately affects the poor.

The THEA Institute is a beautiful opportunity for high school and college students to practice their own vocational discernment, through diving into the calls of Catholic Social Teaching and the gospel. For me, this has been pivotal because as a junior in college, I am currently discerning my path and trying to decide where my passions, skills, and privileges meet the world’s need. Someday down the line, I hope to work in campus ministry, and the THEA Institute has provided me with experiences and graces that I believe will allow me to succeed in the future.