b'HOWLIFEAFFECTS LIFELessons learned as teens reverberate into careers and familiesBy John SchroederT he 5-year-olds may not realize it, but when theyPHOTO BY SID HASTINGStake their first tentative steps into Emmy Rucciskindergarten classroom in Dayton, Ohio, theyreabout to be blessed by a summer experience in whichtheir teacher participated more than 15 years ago.For about half of my kids, this is the first timetheyve ever been in school, Rucci said. So, forstarters, I think its important to build communityFor more than 50 before anything else. Thats number one, before aca-years, the Marianist demics.We have to know one another, know thatLIFE (Living in Faith were there for one another, and know that wellExperience) program support one another.has been offering This whole outlook and philosophycentered onfaith-awakeninga discipleship of equalsis something Rucci learnedexperiences toas a high school junior when she attended a Marianistparticipants at three LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) program way backsummer sessions. in 2006. Thats not unusual. While high school teens are Emmy Rucci applies the lessons of the LIFE (Living In FaithExperience) program in her vocation as a teacher in Dayton, Ohio.the focus of the weeklong Marianist LIFE summerprogram, its impact can resonate across decadeshis faith as an adult. In addition, Cantu developedparticularly among the so-called LIFErs who become leadership skills that he has since successfully deployedmoderators (like Rucci) to plan and staff the sessions.as a training and recruiting professional working forFor more than 50 years, the program has been offer- a diverse set of employers in both Texas and Colorado. ing faith-awakening experiences to participants at A resident of San Antonio today, Cantulikethree summer sessions (currently, two in Dayton and Ruccihas served in many roles to support andthe other in Occidental, California). A sense of mission, strengthen the program at the regional and nationala commitment to inclusivity and effective communication, levels since graduating from St. Joseph High Schooland a focus on service and social justicethese also in Victoria, Texas, two decades ago. Hes also attendedare lasting fruits that often emerge in the personal and numerous LIFE South sessions as an adult moderator.professional lives of those who first embraced the Why give up that precious vacation time as an adult? Marianist LIFE experience as teenagers. Id always come back tired and maybe a littleChris Cantu is among those profoundly grateful for stinky, Cantu said, but also recharged in a waythe connections theyve made and the talents theyve that grounded me and reinvigorated who I was.developed through the program. Having first attended Periodic recharging is essential, because adultMarianist LIFE in Texas in 2001, he credits LIFE with LIFErs often find themselves wrestling with a distinctproviding the opportunity to own and live out challenge at their day-jobs: How do you bring Christ8 Call 1.800.348.4732'