My life is probably typical of a twenty-something college graduate.  I get up in the early hours of the morning (around 5am). Shower. Make-up. Pick out a work outfit. Protein shake (maybe some fruit) and I’m out the door.  The radio, of course, is blasting to break up the monotony of traffic and the hour commute to the office.

As an electrical engineer I like to think of myself as something-like a female Dilbert (without the crazy tie and glasses of course.)  Meetings, specification write-ups, calculations, meetings, field visits, design, meetings, meetings, travel to other office sites, meetings and… meetings. As you can tell I like meetings. 

Me at the office.  I tend to dress very business-like. 

During breaks I’ll text/email my boyfriend just to say “I love you” and my twin sister/roommate to “yell” at her for not taking out the recycling.  Sometimes, my parents call to make sure I’m not dead.  My brother will converse with me about stock prices. My other brother will call just to make fun.

 

Out to dinner.  This time we went Moroccan!

In my free time I volunteer for Engineers Without Borders. Play the violin. Sing in a chorus. Go to the gym.  Go to the city. Go out to dinner with my boyfriend.  Go out for drinks at the bar with my friends.  Have and attend parties.

Out in the city - toasting to our senior year in college.

My sister and I vacationing with friends.  If you like pina coladas...

I have been fortunate to have a successful career, a supportive family, a loving boyfriend, amazing friendships and opportunities to give back to the community using my skill set.  In many ways I feel fulfilled, in many ways I feel blessed. But in all the hustle and bustle, in the midst of all the activities, work-related and just plain ol’ good times it can be hard to simply take a moment to breathe.  

At the St. Katharine Drexel shrine.

Prayer is key to bringing God into my life.  As a Catholic, my actions should reflect my faith.  In the workplace, my focus cannot be simply to “get ahead” by all means necessary.  In my relationships with my family, boyfriend and friends, I should treat them with unconditional love and respect, not selfishness.  However, it is difficult to maintain healthy relationships in my daily life and a positive work attitude if I don’t build my relationship with God.     

In today’s world we are bombarded with ideals that often contrast the core values we are taught as Catholics.  It can be helpful to have a group that shares in the same struggle - living as a Catholic in modern society. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) Young Adults Group also known as, “The Mustard Seed,” was established for the purpose of enhancing the young adult through social events, service opportunities and spiritual reflection.  It aims to form a small faith community to cultivate Christian values.

Me at the Ministry Fair. Join the Mustard Seed today!

The purpose of this blog is to allow members of “The Mustard Seed” and non-members to reflect on their own lives/ vocations and in what way God plays or doesn’t play a role.  “The Mustard Seed hopes to open up discussion about the daily challenges a young adult Catholic might face. Also events “The Mustard Seed” hosts will be blogged!  Feel free to post a comment! Look forward to hearing from you!