In August 2013, ten other students and I started an off-campus intentional living community called Faber House. While the idea started as a service house, Faber House has become a community focused on putting our faith into action through hospitality and community rooted in love. Once a week we have family dinner followed by a reflection or an activity. Reflection topics have ranged from happiness to forgiveness to living responsibly as a Christian. Once a month we invite other students, professors or community members to join us. We take St. Peter Faber as our patron because he was the "quiet companion" of St. Ignatius. Peter Faber spent time in reflection, but also educated others and built community. We hope that Faber House has become and will continue to be a place of great friendship, hospitality and love. By living out the Jesuit values that Loyola has taught us, we strive for magis and to be men and women for others while sharing a common lived experience.

For my most recent reflection, I chose the topic of vulnerability. Faber House provides a safe space for me to be vulnerable and authentic. As scary as it can be, we are called to be vulnerable and to let those vulnerabilities be seen. Some may view them as weakness, but I personally believe vulnerabilities are what make us special and unique. One of my favorite phrases that I've heard is "Encourage the storm." Leaning into the discomfort allows us to show our whole selves. Brené Brown, a researcher, author and storyteller, gives a fantastic Ted talk called the Power of Vulnerability. She says it better than I can when she says, "Vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it appears also to be the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging, and love." By living into my vulnerabilities, I have received more joy and love than I ever imagined.