VOLUNTEER VIEWPOINT: An Interview with Dacian Vogt

Dacian Vogt is no stranger to the Marianists or to serving others. His father, Jim Vogt, is the director of the MSJC, and his mother, Susan Vogt, is executive secretary for the MLNNA. Growing up, Dacian spent time in the Over the Rhine district of Cincinnati and was familiar with the Marianist Volunteer Corp., precursor of the current Marianist Volunteer program. Right around the time he graduated from high school, the volunteer program shut down, and Dacian went off to college.

Why did you reconnect with the Marianist Volunteer Program?
“ I finished up school and did a stint in accounting. It paid well, but it wasn’t very fulfilling. My mom mentioned that the Marianist volunteer program was starting up again, and it just so happened that needed someone in Ohio.”

Where are you volunteering?
” I work with kids at St. Francis DeSales School in Cincinnati teaching computer skills and typing to grades K thru five and assisting with the six, seventh and eigth-grade math classes.”

What other activities have you been involved in?
“ I run a tutoring program after school four days a week and also help with the high school urban plunge experiences with the Findlay Street Community.

What was the Urban Plunge experience like?
“ We took students to soup kitchens and worked on urban renewal projects. It helped them dismiss myths about the poor and homeless. It’s pretty rewarding to see someone have an eye-opening experience.”

How has your MVP experience been?
“ It’s been a good experience, and I’ve enjoyed my time here. My only regret is that my time is almost up, and I’m just starting to get really comfortable.”

What would you tell others interested in the MVP?
” Go into it with an open mind. Don’t go into it thinking you are a privilege to others. The more you can look at it as an opportunity to learn from people who probably know more and have better answers than you do, the more worthwhile it will be for you.”