By Eileen Connelly, OSU

ST. LAWRENCE DEANERY — Mike O’Brien has a strong desire to meet new people and help transform their lives. That’s why the recent College of Mount St. Joseph graduate has committed to spending the next year in service to the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), an inter-denominational, non-profit organization committed to serving those in need in Appalachia by providing physical, emotional and spiritual support through a wide variety of programs and services.

A native of Blue Ash, O’Brien attended the former St. Saviour School in Rossmoyne and graduated from Archbishop Moeller High School in 2003. Because his mother, Marlene, is a l971 Mount graduate, it was a natural choice for college, said O’Brien, who was awarded a bachelor’s degree in religious and pastoral studies this month.

An immersion experience through the college in 2006 was his first trip to Appalachia. O’Brien took part in WorkFest that year, a "spring break alternative" offered by CAP that allows students to devote their time and energy to improve the lives of Appalachian residents while learning about the injustices and realities of poverty.

He "felt called to return" over the summer and spent 12 weeks as a counselor at Camp Andrew Jackson, nestled in rural Jackson County, Ky. A full-service facility with it’s own small lake and surrounded by a forest, the camp provides a week of learning and fun, such as hiking, swimming and canoeing, to children who could otherwise not afford a summer vacation, O’Brien explained. He has since returned to the camp to spend another spring break and last summer there.

The days were long but rewarding, said O’Brien, who grew close to the young campers, ranging in age from eight to 13. "Many of them live in poverty and don’t have good home lives," he explained. "In many cases, they’re from isolated areas and their parents work, so they really hunger for companionship with kids their own age."

"I’ve always been a big kid at heart," O’Brien continued, "So, it was really rewarding to get to know these kids. To be able to connect with one or two of them and maybe change their outlook on the future and make them feel valued is pretty powerful. That’s what keeps me going back."

The connection he established with one young camper with behavioral issues was particular meaningful for O’Brien. Because of a difficult home situation, the boy would experience uncontrollable bouts of rage. One evening after dinner, he stomped off with O’Brien in pursuit. The two sat down and were able to talk things out, and O’Brien learned the boy was on medication that left him with little appetite for dinner, but he would then go hungry, heightening his emotions. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich before bedtime did the trick. It was a simple solution but a meaningful "ministry moment," O’Brien said.

He will return to work with the children again this summer, serving as camp coordinator, before beginning his year of service with CAP. O’Brien admitted he never thought he would do a year of service after graduation but then realized he wanted and needed a physically challenging experience. So, his year with CAP will be spent in economically depressed Jackson Country, helping to build houses. "They need the help, and I love working with the people there, being present to them and being part of the community," he said.

O’Brien feels his time at the Mount prepared him well for his year of service and whatever else lies ahead. He is considering graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in religious studies, pastoral ministry or counseling.

"Through my faith and my experience in school I’ve come to recognize that all humans beings deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," he said. "I’ve developed a much greater appreciation for our call to love one another just as Jesus loved us. That doesn’t mean it will always be easy, but we have to try."