Catalytic Summers Aris Raj Agarwala

During my summers, I passionately pursued humanitarian endeavors to alleviate suffering, learn about the medical field and fortify my Catholic values. In the summer of 2015, I began devoting more time to working in low-income ophthalmic clinics, shadowing and helping the ophthalmologist with patient-care by translating Spanish for him and assisting with surgeries. The summer following junior year, with my newfound ability to drive and the declaration of an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy by the Roman Catholic Church, I found myself continuing the work of the previous summer while also taking time to volunteer at nursing homes and shelters to fulfill the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy that God called all Catholics to do. With ample free time in the summer, I had the opportunity to wholeheartedly give back to God via charity and volunteerism which could only be done on weekends during the school year.