Hi, my name is Peyton Buss, and I am a current elementary education major at Saint Mary's College. I have always known I wanted to be a teacher and as long as that dream has been alive, so has my passion for participating in mission work. Since Saint Mary's was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, students are given fantastic service opportunities. One of these opportunities is to travel to Uganda and teach the students in the schools. The Uganda teaching practicum is a service program offered to Saint Mary's education and nursing majors. Both SMC education and nursing majors will be working closely in the schools and clinics for six weeks. As a future teacher, I am drawn to the unique teaching experience that I will be given through this opportunity to be a key piece in these young children's lives. Every student and professor that has attended this program has spoken about its impact on their lives and careers.

 

Uganda was one of the biggest reasons I came to Saint Mary's, and due to covid, I honestly did not think my dream would come true. However, thanks to God and the many prayers from my biggest role model in the convent, Sister Jane, the Uganda summer trip was recently approved to happen this summer! Although it was great news that the program is still running this summer, I have been overwhelmed by the price of this program. I can't bear to think about not attending this life-changing experience, but I am faced with the financial reality of being a college student. Therefore, as my twenty-first birthday is closely approaching, I have come up with the idea to ask for donations to my Uganda fund instead of other gifts. Please help me deepen my passion for teaching and my passion for life, and the beauty of selfless acts of kindness.