One-and-a-half years of being a Loretto Justice Fellow

By Arantza de Jesus

Before entering the Fellowship, I never thought that my work and personal life could get along; it always felt like I had to pick one or the other. When I entered the Fellowship, I discovered that I couldn’t be more wrong! In this space, I learned not only that these two aspects of my life didn’t have to be in conflict with each other, but also how important it was to know when and how to combine them and when it was time for just one or the other.

I’ve had the opportunity to be here for one-and-a-half years and I couldn’t be more thankful for it. I’ve met amazing people on and off the screen who have inspired me and guided me. In my first year, I had the pleasure of serving with Estrella del Paso where I was welcomed with open arms from day one. Here I learned the importance of small steps and small actions. I discovered the true meaning of Adrienne Maree Brown’s Emergent Strategy principle, “Small is good, small is all.” In my first year, I learned to be patient and appreciate the process. My team with Estrella del Paso made this so much easier, they are the most fun and caring people. As time passed I was able to take on bigger tasks, but as the tasks got bigger, I realized the importance of the small tasks I did before.

After my first year in 2023-24, I continued my Fellowship by serving another semester in fall 2024 with Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. With Las Americas, I found my passion. If there is something that I’ve learned during this Fellowship is that everything happens for a reason and that we are in the places we need to be. During this semester, I had doubts about my career, and I’ve been indecisive; however, with the experiences with Las Americas, I realized what I want to do in life. I realized that I want to not only work for my community but also work WITH them. During my internship, I discovered how much I loved being in the community and being the first person in contact with the people.

With the combination of these communities: the community I was able to help and listen to during my current internship with Las Americas; the community I was able to create within my team in Estrella del Paso; and the community I obtained when I joined the Loretto Justice Fellowship, I discovered that that’s what I truly love! Community! I now know that whatever I do, I want to continue helping my community and continue participating in these amazing spaces.