Cheverus Stories

November was a momentous month for junior Danielle Whyte. She visited our nation’s capital for the first time and made a second trip within the month. On these trips to Washington, Whyte met both Senators Angus King and Susan Collins.  

Whyte was awestruck by the experience. The city itself made an impact, with its grand boulevards, monuments, and museums, but Whyte was fortunate enough to witness government in action.   

During her first visit, Whyte was part of the Citizen’s Climate November Lobby Day Maine student delegation. As part of this group, Whyte met with Senator King and discussed new ways to address the impact of climate change. “I learned, mingled, grew, and most importantly, I acknowledge the power of the youth that surrounded me. From all across the country, I met young people excited and ready to fight against the epidemic of climate change,” said Whyte. 

For the second trip to DC, Whyte went as a member of the Cheverus delegation attending the Ignatian Family Teach-In For Justice, the largest Catholic social justice gathering in the country. The Teach-In brings together Jesuit colleges, high schools, parishes, and partners to “learn, reflect, pray, network, and advocate together.” This year’s Teach-In centered on humane migration and climate change. 

Last year, the Society of Jesus announced the Universal Apostolic Preferences that will guide their mission over the next ten years. The Preferences include showing the way to God, journeying with the youth, walking with the excluded, and caring for our common home. Whyte's efforts to learn more about the impact of climate change as well as the issue of migration are two ways in which Cheverus students are living out the Preferences. 

Asked about her experiences in Washington, DC, Whyte said, “I am so thankful that from freshman year to now, I’ve been embraced into a community that strives for justice and adequately prepares both the mind and heart for dialogue. Cheverus has taught me how to fall in love with a cause, stay in love, and that has decided everything.”