Mae L’Heureux was born and raised in the Portland, Maine area. She graduated from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts in May 2014 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. That summer, she joined LVC and served as a Volunteer with the 2014-2015 cohort, serving in Omaha, NE at NAMI Nebraska.
How did LVC impact your life?
LVC taught me what matters. It taught me that you don’t grow if you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone. It taught me that you have to fight hard for what you want, and learn to be okay with letting go of the things that aren’t meant for you. It taught me that a life of love, service, compassion, and grace is what I want and what I have decided to strive for every day. I carry aspects of LVC with me to this day, as the experience set the foundation for my developing adult life.
What is one of your favorite memories of being in LVC?
When my whole house spent time with one another. Whether it was sitting in the living room watching movies, hanging out in the backyard playing instruments or board games, or having deep philosophical conversations, I treasured the time we all shared.
What specific skills have you developed as a result of serving with LVC?
My time in LVC further developed my passion for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Spending a year at NAMI Nebraska helped me realize that I wanted to devote my life to being a mental health advocate. I learned how to be a team player, and how to work hard, live humbly, and practice forgiveness.
What are some specific ways you explored your spirituality at LVC?
In Omaha, we were very lucky to have our own spiritual guide who helped shape our journey that year. Once a month, we would meet as a House with Mike to discuss an aspect of spirituality. Each housemate was responsible for planning a spirituality activity for his or her assigned month. These ranged from discussions about nature, music, self-discovery, and vocation. Additionally, Mike arranged for our House to visit various religious sites around Omaha including a Hindu Temple and the Islamic Center of Omaha. My housemates and I were all extremely interested in learning about different faiths and having lively discussions on current events and our role as social justice advocates. That year, Hillstrom House had 9 LVCers so there was a lot of differences and thought processes living under one roof. However, each of us were so open to learning about one another which I believe empowered each of us to further develop our spiritual journeys in a profound way. As someone who was raised Catholic, my participation in LVC allowed me to encounter different faiths and experiences which helped me to better understand my relationship with God and what I want that to look like. I believe that we learn the most when we are willing to embrace the unfamiliar, and I can confidently state that my spiritual life was greatly enriched by participating in LVC.
What part of your experience with LVC has changed you the most?
I learned that people will never be who you want them to be, and you won’t be who others want you to be. Instead of wasting time trying to change people, you should be working on becoming the best version of yourself which will empower those around you to do the same.