As a child, a teen, and eventually as a young woman, I created many marvelous memories while wandering the halls of Mercy High School in Omaha, Nebraska. I learned so much about what it means to be a woman of mercy. As a child of a teacher there, I spent much of my childhood and teenage years being protected by its walls as I navigated big decisions and learned lessons about how to handle all types of situations. I worried when I graduated high school I would never find a community quite like it. One in which every member, student and staff alike, is held up and supported through life’s many ups and downs. One that celebrates its heritage and history. One that not only challenges students to rise to their highest potential but also gives them the tools to be successful. However, through my experience this year with the Mercy Volunteer Corps, I’ve come to find a community much like that of Mercy High Omaha!

My name is Molly Vankat and this year I’ve had a lot of firsts. In May of 2025, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Library Science. While I was in college I worked two part time jobs and was a full time student. If you had asked me two years ago what I’d planned to do after graduating college I would not have said move to Cincinnati, Ohio. I also would not have anticipated volunteering full time at a school. I never wanted to move from my little corner of the world when I lived in Omaha. I was comfortable there with my whole family around to act as a safety net. However, I wanted my next adventure to be meaningful and even bold. That’s when I remembered Mercy Volunteer Corps. You see, my sister Rose was an Mercy Volunteer in Baltimore, Maryland when I was close to 13 years old. I even went with my parents and my brother to help drop her off at her orientation! Her experience with MVC had a lasting impact on her! As I started looking into the program for myself, I realized it could have that same effect for me. I’m happy to report that I was right! Don’t get me wrong, packing up my life into two suitcases and leaving everything I knew and loved was scary. But, I used that fear and anxiety to motivate myself. Once that initial fear wore off I was proud of my decision to carve out my own path. It felt as if I could do anything I put my mind to!

After meeting Erin and Moriah, and the other volunteers at our orientation in August, I was so excited to start my journey. Once we made it to Cincinnati and met Vivian, our additional roommate, everything seemed to click into place. The first few days were filled with learning how to navigate the city, organizing our kitchen and settling in. We spent time getting to know each other as roommates and as friends. We were lucky that Vivian had already spent a year in Cincinnati so she could show us some cool spots around town. Erin went to work figuring out the church schedules around us, Moriah found events and clubs we could try, and I set out to create a book club and find recipes for meals we could share. We went to many parks and library branches together. When Moriah decided to move back home in October, we struggled to find our footing with the new dynamics. However, Vivian, Erin, and I have come to respect and love each other for who we are as individuals. That’s not to say we’ve agreed on everything but for the most part it’s been a fairly harmonious living situation. I’ve learned that there is no right or wrong way to go about living in community. We support each other as best we can and work together to make sure people feel comfortable sharing complicated or difficult emotions and experiences.

The aspect of my volunteering experience that has fostered a deep sense of belonging is my role at St. Boniface School! St. Boniface is a catholic school ranging from preschool to 8th grade. I primarily work with kindergarten to 5th grade students, serving as a teacher’s aide for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in the classroom, and helping throughout the day with k-2 recess and lunch. I facilitate pull out groups for students that need extra time or need more advanced help. I lead whole group learning occasionally and circulate around the classroom offering supplemental help and answering questions as they arise. I help the teachers organize papers, stuff folders, and assist in the planning and preparations for lessons. The St. Boniface community has truly felt like a family to me. They accepted and welcomed me in, and truly appreciate the talents I bring and the work I do for the school. Going to work every day and seeing the kids’ faces light up when they see me has brought me great joy, meaning, and purpose. I feel as though I make a difference there. By helping the kids learn, listening to them, and lifting them up, I’ve earned their trust and admiration. Every time a kid gives me a hug or says to me “Ms. Molly, you’re the best teacher ever” it makes my entire day! The kids deal with so many struggles that I couldn’t even imagine balancing at their age. However, they somehow manage to show up to school ready to learn (for the most part haha)! My coworkers support me and show up to work every day for the kids. They come early and stay late to ensure the success of their students. Most importantly they care for each child’s well being. The academics are important but the relationship and self esteem building are prioritized. In my opinion this is what makes St. Boniface stand out. The love that is poured into the children, the staff, and the entire school community is palpable. So much so that when I was offered a paid position for next year, I jumped at the chance to stay. I will finish out the year and then transition to the preschool aide position for the 2026-2027 school year! While my title and responsibilities will change, my work there is not done.

Throughout this year I was given the chance to return to my Mercy roots and give back to the community that helped raise me. I have learned invaluable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve learned how to live simply and in community with others. I’ve learned that sometimes showing up with a positive attitude and trying your best can truly make a difference. I’ve learned to lean on my support system through hard times and to ask for help when I need it. I’ve tried new things and have started to be more confident in myself. I’ve had opportunities that I never would’ve had if I’d stayed in Omaha and simply started a career. I started a book club, read 30+ books, been to 10 new libraries, and traveled to 5 cities I’d never been to before. I have loved living in Cincinnati and am beyond excited to get to stay another year. It feels like exactly where I’m supposed to be right now!

Molly Vankat: Cincinnati, Ohio