Humans of St. Lawrence: Brenna Dillon

Lokesh: Hey everybody! Welcome back to Humans of Saint Lawrence. In this edition, we will be speaking with one of St. Lawrence’s newest staff members and KU grad, Brenna Dillon. Brenna, how are you today?

Brenna: I am well, Lokesh. How are you?

Lokesh: I am also well! So Brenna, to get started, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Brenna: I graduated from KU with a degree in Journalism and spent my first year out of college as a missionary with the Culture Project. I grew a lot in my desire for forming the whole person and allowing students to know that they’re loved, regardless of where they’re at in their journey. I work here as the New Student Director and invite students into the St. Lawrence Center. I want to provide them a home for their time in college. I’m originally from Overland Park, Kansas and went to Blue Valley North High School. I’m part of a family of 4; I have an older sister and the best dog in the world named Pearl (a Schnauzer).

Lokesh: Wonderful. What, initially, brought you to St. Lawrence back when you were at KU as a student?

Brenna: I originally started coming to the center because it was the right thing to do, in terms of being involved with my faith, but I stayed for the community; in particular, finding friends outside of my classes or sorority that were “different,” in terms of being very involved with their faith. As a student, I was really involved with RISE, which was its own thing and ran on a weekly basis. I helped Kyle Kuckleman spearhead that. RISE eventually merged with GoodCo and worked with their blog team. I worked on the Koinonia retreat, which is how I know a lot of the juniors and seniors. One of my all time favorite memories is me and my group of friends went over to the Newman house, right after thanksgiving, in which we were snowed in. We ate a lot of junk food, played a lot of board games, and watched 3 to 4 movies. I would say that’s a solidifying moment in my friend group.

Lokesh: That sounds like a lot of fun. Now, for anyone that’s wanting to get involved at the center, what advice you give them?

Brenna: “Just say yes” to the invitation at least once because if you show up, there’s a good chance you’ll meet someone that will become your best friend. If that doesn’t happen, you never have to see these people again.

Lokesh: This is very true. While on the topic, what does the concept of friendship mean to you?

Brenna: I think in the secular culture, friendship is just a group of people you have something in common with. But, I think true friendship that can be found, particularly at the St. Lawrence Center, is greater than that. I think true friendship is something we need to grow, spiritually and in our humanity. True friendship allows us to become who we’re meant to be.

Lokesh: Well said. Regarding that idea of who we’re meant to be, what are some of the things that you value in your life?

Brenna: I value my relationship with the Lord and allowing that to be dynamic, meaning it can change. I value my friends who are more like my chosen family; St. Lawrence has given me a great chosen family. I value quality time and good conversation. I value showing people that they are lovable.

Lokesh: Who would you say are some of the biggest influences in your life?

Brenna: My best friend, Ellen. She is the reason I showed up to daily mass and holy hour everyday in college. She reminds me of what I’m striving for. My therapist is also a big influence. I think that he provides me a space to be and receives me and loves me, even though I share all my life with him, the good, bad, and ugly. Father Mitchel, at least in the time I was a student, was more like a spiritual father to me. I would also say Emily Liuzza, my mentor. She was transformative in my college experience.

Lokesh: Love it. Do you have any parting words?

Brenna: It’s okay that you don’t have it all together or figured out. Keep going.

Lokesh: Thank you so much, Brenna!

Brenna: Thanks, Lokesh!