Meet Marisa Niemiec

Friends of Marisa Niemiec best decribe her using the words: exuberant, vivacious, enthusiastic, fun-loving, a doer, a self-starter, a leader, a person of service, a lover of life, God, and people.

Marisa, a sophomore at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona, MN, is majoring in pastoral youth ministry and theology. She attended St. Matthew's Grade School, Glendale Heights, and Driscoll Catholic High School, Addison. It is there that she first met the De La Salle Christian Brothers and became active in their youth program called Lasallian Youth. This program is centered on the three ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle, Founder of the Christian Brothers: faith, service, and community.

"During my first two years of high school I belonged to numerous groups, yet I didn't begin volunteering until junior year when I joined Lasallian Youth. Ever since, I have been actively involved in service and volunteering whenever I can. It became an important part of my life and it completes who I am. Volunteering reminds me how much of a difference one person can make and it makes me feel as if I'm sharing the talents God has given me." Marisa has continued that dedication and commitment to faith, service, and community by establishing on campus a college-level counterpart called Lasallian Collegians. She has actively recruited members and has planned many projects for the year.

Service knows no limits in Marisa's life. She actively participates in campus ministry activities including: Habitat for Humanity, Buddies--a program for the developmentally disabled, Outreach Ministry Team--giving Confirmation retreats, Red Wing Correctional Facility, and a Eucharistic minister for campus liturgies.

"I couldn't be happier at Saint Mary's and dedicating my life to the service of others. It is the best decision I have ever made. It won't make me much money, but that's not what it's all about. As my good friend once said, 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.' That's what it's all about!

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