MICHAEL SANTOS ’23 and DANTE ANELLO ’23
hile playing with puppies might not seem like a traditionally selfless act, at
Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI), three Xaverian seniors learned
the importance of properly training service dogs for people with special needs. Daily
tasks varied from cleaning up after the dogs and handling feedings, to working on
scent training with local police. The hardest part, says Michael Santos ’23, was
when a dog didn’t meet the unique special needs of a potential owner. That left the
person waiting for another dog with the perfect skill set. The flip side, he says, is seeing
a new owner’s reaction when the pair are well-suited. “Whether it be someone with
intellectual, physical, or medical disabilities, it’s seeing them react to their new service
animals that makes me feel as though I have done my service as a Christian. I want to
show others that they are cared for and loved. They are always wanted and no matter
what, they are no less than everyone else.”
For Dante Anello ’23, his service at GOFI was based on his love for animals
but it developed into something more. “I’ve always loved dogs from when I was a
child,” says Dante, “but being surrounded by dogs and good people just reinforced my
admiration for the animal/human connection.” GOFI is reliant on many volunteers,
and it’s seeing others there dedicating their time that inspires Dante. “I’m seeing people
volunteer who aren’t obligated; they do it because they truly care. Seeing people who are
so selfless helps me grow in my own faith and pushes me to be a better person.”
Pictured here l to r are Michael Santos ’23, Coleman Joyce ’23, and Dante Anello ’23
SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN ACTION (CONTINUED)
COLE JETTE ’23
ole Jette ’23 picked a solitary
role for his Christian Senior
Service - he worked outside at Mount
St. Mary’s Abbey, serving the sisters
there by preparing the grounds for the
warmer weather. He cleaned out flower
beds, cut back trails through the woods
that the sisters use, and did whatever
landscaping chores he could find. He
says that he asked to take the position
at the Abbey because his father does
a lot of work for the sisters, and he
knew there was more to be done than
the sisters could handle on their own.
A happy byproduct for Cole was the
atmosphere, and he notes how much
he appreciated the opportunity to work
at the Abbey because of how peaceful
it is. Christian Senior Service is the
culmination of a Xaverian education
meant to inspire servant leadership,
and Cole says he will take this lesson
with him beyond Clapboardtree Street.
“I will continue to be a servant leader
after graduation by remembering that
it’s important to help others and to be
grateful,” he says.
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