Follow the Catholic Studies blog as it profiles iits students and their summer activities and plans.
Posted by Sarah, UST Senior, Catholic Studies

If I had to choose one word to describe me, I would only have to glance at the top of my left foot in order to find the answer. This single word that has been tattooed on my foot is pasja, which means “passion” in Polish. The “P” is a Christian fish, symbolizing my passion for faith; it is located on the top of my turning foot, symbolizing my passion for dance. I feel so blessed to study and gain experience in academic fields revolving around these two passions. My name is Sarah White, and I will graduate from the University of St. Thomas in May 2010.
I know that I’ve come a long way over the past few years- literally and figuratively. I’m originally from Norwalk, Iowa and have had my fair share of 4-hour car rides to and from school on breaks and holidays. I have attended Catholic schools since the first grade, and I wanted to be out of state yet not too far away, so St. Thomas seemed like the perfect fit. My major in Catholic Studies is the perfect accompaniment to all three of my minors: psychology, dance, and family studies. It is also the perfect tool to assist me in all areas of life; studying and discussing Catholic principles and beliefs every day has helped me with relationships, leadership skills, practicing spirituality, jobs on and off campus, and many other things.
Unlike every other soon-to-be senior, I do not have an internship this summer because I’m working for NDA, also known as the National Dance Alliance. For the past 4 summers I have been teaching at dance camps all over the United States. As mentioned earlier I’m used to traveling, and I absolutely love it. This year I will be working camps in Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. I thoroughly enjoy meeting and working with new people at every camp and the many roles that we must play such as teacher, mentor, customer service rep, evaluator, performer, choreographer, competition coordinator/adjudicator, and recruiter. Our company offers many styles of dance such as jazz, hip hop, pom, lyrical, modern/contemporary, kick, and prop/novelty; we also offer levels ranging from beginning to elite. Even though my job is very physically and mentally demanding, it is also the most rewarding and joyful experience ever. I get paid to do what I love, and I see immediate results of the positive effect I have on high school girls all over the country. One phrase that continues to motivate me every time I prepare for a camp consists of four simple words: Praise Him with dancing!