A Commitment to Solidarity
Alice Fulton '25 | From Arrupe Engagement to Ignatian Fellowship
A commitment to solidarity is one of the most prevalent values the Ignatian Center holds. Students and staff alike share this commitment by creating meaningful relationships with those with whom they interact.
One such student, Alice Fulton ‘25, has worked as an Ignatian Fellow at the College of Adaptive Arts or CAA. The College of Adaptive Arts is a university for people with special needs that allows them to complete a college degree with no time restriction. When asked why Alice chose this placement she stated, “I believe this placement chose me as it has completely changed my SCU experience, as well as my personal life.”
Alice first volunteered for the CAA through Arrupe Engagement to fulfill her ELSJ (Experiential Learning for Social Justice) Core Curriculum requirement, but quickly found a deeper love and community within this placement. Although she first started volunteering with CAA as a virtual experience, she made the most out of her time by engaging with the students and staff.
“I found myself looking forward to the CAA classes and seeing the students.” She explained that in that short time working with CAA for her Arrupe Engagement, she “created relationships that hold a very special place in my heart.”
One of these special moments occurred while Alice was participating in their varsity cheer program.
“On my last day of volunteering for the cheer program, I cheered my heart out, chanting the routines and going so full out with my movements the students couldn’t contain their laughter. When we had our cool-down song at the end, I told everyone that it was my last class. The students were in an instant protest, but I promised them if I couldn’t volunteer next quarter, I would still visit and attend their performances. As I gave my hugs and high fives when students were leaving, I had some really special moments. One of those moments was with a student who wouldn’t talk frequently and had a harder time communicating. She came up to me and said ‘Thank you Alice for being a volunteer at the College of Adaptive Arts.' For her to communicate her gratitude to me was so special, I can’t even put it into words.”
When offered the opportunity to become an Ignatian Fellow, Alice jumped at the opportunity to continue her work at CAA in a new capacity. Alice explained that she volunteered in four classes a week and was grateful to start in person.
“It was so special having students who I met virtually come up to me and ask if I was Alice.”
Alice shared another heartwarming interaction between herself and a student, who would hug at the beginning and end of every class, share gossip, and talk about their weekends. On her last day, Alice told the students that she didn’t want to have to say goodbye, to which the student replied, “Don’t worry Alice, you won’t be gone because you will always be here,” as she placed a hand over her heart.
“I had never had such a special experience and I owe it all to the CAA and the Ignatian Center,” shared Alice.
“I frankly can’t say enough about how special this whole experience has been for me. It was truly life-changing. I found my purpose, a community, and my own unique family through this experience and I will be forever grateful.”
Alice’s story about her CAA and Ignatian Fellowship experience is just one of the many ways SCU students maintain a commitment to solidarity and continue to work in various capacities for social justice issues.
- Zoe Barton '25