The beginning of a new semester is an exciting time — but it can also be an anxious and stressful experience for some.
In addition to the many resident assistants, each residence hall has a hall minister to provide pastoral care and be a spiritual presence for all residents and building staff.
In collaboration with the staff, hall ministers are charged with helping form a residential community that expresses the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission, while accompanying individuals dealing with stress, illness, loss, loneliness, relationships, spiritual and emotional health, and more.
In this Q&A, Monica Dreesen, hall minister for Carpenter Hall, talks about what she likes the most about Marquette University and Milwaukee.
What was your undergraduate degree in? Why did you pursue that discipline?
I graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This was a decision I made after a few psychology courses and a growing desire to help people improve their mental health, relationships and overall well-being. Due to a close family member’s experience with mental health challenges, I wanted to understand the underlying causes of mental illness and develop the skills needed to support others facing similar challenges. I decided to continue my education and received a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Why did you want to be a hall minister?
I know dorm life can be a fun and exciting experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges — loneliness, stress and the pressure of adjusting to a new environment. As a former student who faced these struggles, I understand how overwhelming it can feel at times. It was through the guidance of trusted adults that I was able to find support and slowly build skills to handle these situations on my own. Now, with strengthened faith and a drive to give back to the community that supported me, I look to foster a supportive dorm community where students can rely on each other and their network of people to thrive personally, academically and spiritually.
What makes Marquette special to you?
Marquette quickly became a home away from home for me. I am originally from San Antonio, Texas, and following the death of my father I decided to still follow through and attend Marquette knowing home would not feel the same. The community I found here in the many organizations I became a part of filled a hole that had been left by loss. I felt home again. Through the people I met, I found comfort, connection and a renewed sense of belonging. The unwavering support and kindness of the Marquette community has left a lasting impact, making it a place I will always consider home.
What is your favorite memory made at Marquette or in Milwaukee?
I joined the Marquette University Liturgical Choir council as a sophomore and attended the Campus Ministry leadership retreat. That year the retreat happened to fall on my birthday. I was excited to get to know everyone better but nervous going in knowing no one. I had told one of the council members that it was my birthday that weekend and we all started to joke about how scary it is to turn 20 and leave your teen years behind. They stayed up with me until midnight playing games and making jokes about needing to purchase a walker as I was getting “up there” in age. They all sang to me at midnight, and a birthday I feared became one of my favorite birthdays I’d celebrated at Marquette thanks to my Liturgical Choir council.
What is one thing you’re looking forward to this academic year?
One thing I am looking forward to this academic year is being able to see the growth in the relationships between the students and how I get to be a part of helping that process along. I look forward to watching students foster connections that turn into friendships as they begin to build their own Marquette family. I’m excited to see how these relationships evolve and contribute to a stronger sense of self and confidence for each student.
Favorite book, movie or podcast?
“Brother Bear”
Favorite location on campus?
Memorial Library
Favorite hobby?
Trying different coffee shops and building my “Animal Crossing” island.
Favorite restaurant in Milwaukee?
The Explorium Brewpub. Get the Thai chili and honey siracha boneless wings. You won’t regret it.
Favorite dessert?
My grandma’s Texas brownies. So good and made with pecans.
