Tom Canuel '24 | Theology & Music Double Major
The Hilltop helped me understand and recognize the importance of friendship and the importance of faith seeking understanding. These four years are so formative, you will come out a better person.
What were you involved with on the Hilltop?
I was a theology major, so I was very involved with that department. I was a peer minister, interned in Campus Ministry, and led Anselmian B.R.E.A.K trips to Phoenix, Arizona, and West Virginia. I also participated in music opportunities such as the choir and the Wednesday night Worship.
What are you two favorite memories from your time on campus?
This is a really hard question to narrow down. One is walking Road for Hope. It was such a powerful experience walking alongside 45 of my peers doing something that made such a big impact and difference on the community. A lot of what we do through Road for Hope is advocating for those communities that we were serving and I just formed such amazing friendships and connections. The other one is leading my break trip to Bethlehem Farm in West Virigina. It really transformed my lens of service for my faith. It allowed me to learn about the communities we were serving, to grow closer as well to another group of Anselmians, which was so awesome. Just to be in community together, serving are my favorite memories.
How has Saint Anselm College helped shape you into the person you are today?
I think Saint Anselm did a really awesome job forming me for community. Through my current grad school program, I live in community with three other students working in the Tampa area. When I was on campus I learned the value of going out of your way to spend time with people you might not be as connected with, as simple as holding the door for someone. The community at Saint Anselm taught me to connect with the whole campus and wider community; it’s a special value that not many other schools have.
Academically, I believe that Saint Anselm prepared me well for graduate school. The success I am having, I attribute 100% to Saint Anselm. The study and learning habits that I gained on the Hilltop, the lenses of inclusion and diversity that I learned, are tangible lessons and experiences I take with me everywhere I go.
What are you doing now? What does your job involve?
Right now, I’m completing the University of Notre Dame’s Echo Program. During the summer, I take intensive classes in theology and work on my master’s degree on campus. During the rest of the year, I work at a parish placement; I am currently at St. Lawrence Parish in Tampa, Fla., engaged in full time ministry. I’m doing a wide variety of things from teaching fifth graders to leading different small groups at the parish such as a men’s group and a bereavement group. I am also doing social justice work such as preparing to welcome new ministries focused on advocacy work and helping people out individually with situations they are facing whether that be homelessness or poverty.
Do you have advice for students wanting to grow their faith?
Don’t be afraid to explore, and to try new things as you continue growing your faith. I think some of the most impactful experiences that I had on campus were when I went outside of my comfort zone. For example, walking 130 miles to Lewiston, Maine or traveling around the country to serve different populations or even right here in Manchester at soup kitchens or food pantries. Don’t hesitate to use Campus Ministry and the monastery as resources. I always remember Father Mathias saying the monastery is the heartbeat of campus and during 2020 when the college closed down, the heart was still beating even in the midst of the chaos.
How do you see Anselmian core values in the real world today?
First and foremost, I see “community” in so many ways. I see it at my own parish placement where I’m engaged in community all the time with my parishioners. The things I learned from the Hilltop, such as holding the food for ten seconds, it really makes a difference in genuine love and kindness for the other person.
I see a lot of people whose faith is seeking understanding, especially in my own ministry. When I’m teaching I try to bring God into their relationships to hopefully give their faith a bit more understanding.
One thing I did on the Hilltop that was so impactful was learning the importance of fellowship. I’ve involved myself more deeply in graduate school and the parish, because I recognize the importance of being present and an active member in the community. Saint Anselm is such an incredible place and I can’t thank everyone enough for my time there.