University grad sidesteps career to make a difference
Published Sep 23, 2007
ROMEOVILLE—It goes without saying that most recent college graduates don’t step off the fast track on their career paths to spend the first year out of school as a volunteer. Annie Pecoraro of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naperville is an exception.
The 22 year old graduated in the spring with a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Dayton, a Catholic institution in Dayton, Ohio. She is one of about 40 recent college graduates volunteering at various organizations through the Amate House program.
Since August, Pecoraro has been living at the Amate House on the South Side of Chicago in the McKinley Park neighborhood. The building was converted from the former St. Maurice Convent. She volunteers most of her waking time to help market and advertise the handmade creations of artisans of WomanCraft, Inc., a business located on the West Side of Chicago. The unique business provides employment opportunities for women in desperate situations.
“There’s no better way to start out my life after school than to get into the mindset that I want to have for the rest of my life,” said Pecoraro in a Sept. 14 telephone interview with the Catholic Explorer.
Proceeds from the sales of the crafts, including jewelry and stationary items, are channeled back into the business to provide more openings for women in need of employment, said Nancy Phillips, general manager of WomanCraft. Their earnings allow them to provide for their families and the work gives them practical skills and experience in the workforce.
The revenue Pecoraro helps the company accumulate through organizing fundraisers, handling direct sales and advertising the products has a direct impact on women enduring difficult situations, said Phillips. “It’s an exciting time for us.”
During her first weeks at WomanCraft, the college grad mentioned that she has been “more tuned into the different issues people face. It’s something I really wouldn’t be able to experience in another job.”
Roughly 10 young people live at each of the four Amate House buildings scattered throughout the Chicago, according to Steffanie Triller, a spokesperson for the organization. Applications are accepted from people of all denominations who wish to take part in the yearlong service opportunity. “We’re forming leaders for the church and the world,” she added.
Launched in 1984, the Amate House program is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago. Translated from Latin into English, the word “amate” means “love in action.” The volunteers work across the city at schools, parishes, homeless shelters and social service agencies.
“I wanted to put myself in the shoes of someone else,” said Pecoraro, the second of four children, speaking about her desire to participate in the Amate House program. She hopes the experience will teach her to “never take things for granted” in her life, she said. And, she stressed she plans to impart the lessons she gleans about the impoverished to her family and people around her. “I want to be changed by the people I serve, not the other way around. I think I will be changed by them and this experience more than I will change anyone else,” she added.
Concerning Pecoraro’s decision to devote her time to helping others, her mother, Kristen, said, “We are all very proud of her and her choices.” Her daughter was involved in youth ministry at the family’s parish when she was a teenager and served as a peer minister in college. “Service has always been important to her.”
The fact that the college graduate dropped everything to help others after completing her studies “was not a surprise,” said Kristen, adding, “She’s become a role model for us.”
Members of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish have also offered support for Pecoraro’s quest. With the approval of Father Thomas Paul, pastor of the Naperville parish, the young adult said she has secured an opportunity to showcase the works of the artisans of WomanCraft.
Pecoraro plans to display pieces and introduce parishioners to some of the women Nov. 19 at the suburban church.
In the meantime, Pecoraro said the experience of participating in the Amate House program will undoubtedly deepen her prayer life; specifically she wants to continue to learn meditative prayer techniques. “It’s going to have a lasting impact,” she said, talking about the fruits of the program.
As for the future, Pecoraro said, “I’m not quite sure what I want to do yet.” Referring to pursuing graduate studies or joining the workforce, she said, “I’m keeping myself open.”
A person with “a great passion for cooking,” she said she might someday add cooking school to her life’s recipe of prayer and service.
