Grace Laskowski '09

How long were you working at CC?
I've been working at Central since 2017. 

What were your roles while at CC?
Before I was the Director of Campus Ministry, I was the Executive Assistant in the Advancement Office. In that role, I got to work with all sorts of people – Rambassadors, prospective students, the Board of Directors, and parent volunteers. I loved sitting at that desk because it faces out towards the busiest "intersection" in the school. Though my day-to-day work was less student-focused, I still felt very much a part of the school because of how many students stopped by to say hello during passing periods. I was a member of the Campus Ministry team. Being a part of the Campus Ministry team helped prepare me for my role in Campus Ministry. I had been on all of the retreats as an adult leader but the behind the scenes work was a whole new experience. I am one of the moderators for the Women's Coalition and have been for the past three years. 

What is a highlight of your time here?
In the Campus Ministry office, I have my to-do list but then there's THE work. The work is a ministry of hospitality. The Campus Ministry office is stocked with just about anything students might need during the day-- utensils for lunch, snacks, band-aids, tampons, extra masks, spare pencils, and the most comfortable chairs in the school. Those small offerings are often the start of a deeper relationship with students. While students warm up their lunches in our microwave, I hear about weekend plans, see pictures of prom dresses, and get updates on how their thesis paper is coming along. The highlight of this work is getting to share in some of the most celebratory and tender moments with students. I never tire of looking up from my computer to see a student standing in the doorway asking, "Do you have a...?" because more often than not they'll be back again and before you know it, we'll be one of their biggest supporters in the building. 

Where are you heading next/what will you be doing?
I've been referring to this transition as my second graduation from high school. I'm still in the process of applying for jobs, but once again Central Catholic has prepared me well to take the next steps.

Anything you would like to add/share with the larger CC community?
In many ways, coming back to work at Central was an easy transition. I already knew the layout of the school, the traditions, and the culture. Many of the people who made my high school experience wonderful were still in the building too. Though It took some time for me to get comfortable calling my former teachers by their first names, I eventually started to ease into a new way of being in this community. Much of the essence of Central Catholic remains the same but many of the changes that have occurred since I was a student are what make me most proud to be an alum. The Rams Program, Peer Mentors, and the office of Equity and Community Engagement have shown our community what it looks like to be more inclusive, equitable, and joyful. We are better for it.