Transformation, Leadership at UST w/ Paola Colon
Student Body President Boasts Goal to be Medical Missionary
As a young girl, Paola Colon would play soccer in her backyard with her twin brother while her mother made dinner. Now, the 2024-25 Student Body President and University of St. Thomas-Houston 2025 graduate, Paola scored goals for the UST Women’s Soccer Team and is driven by a desire to continue her journey of becoming a medical missionary.
Colon is described as “a beacon of light for her community,” and she believes her community has deeply defined who she has become – as an athlete and a child of God.
“My small athletic community allowed me to become closer to God,” she said. “It allowed me to realize and remember that my identity isn't in athletics or isn't in my perfectionism, it's that I'm a child of God. Also, the faith-based community in Campus Ministry kept me going and allowed me to remember that nothing I do is going to take that away from me.”
From a quiet high school experience, Paola’s UST experience began before her freshman year during Celt Camp, where she met other student leaders.
“Celt Camp made St. Thomas feel like a home and made me feel so welcome,” she said. “It's so hard to come in as a freshman and go into a new campus and a new environment that you don't know. I loved having UST student leaders and see faces that I recognized as a freshman. It made me feel so welcome. After that, I knew becoming a student leader was something I wanted to do.”
Colon joined the Club Sports Association, which led her to walk on to the Women’s Soccer Team. This group of women would be integral to her time at UST. She found not only athletic success but also a loving, supportive community that would help shape her leadership. When facing trials, the encouragement of teammates like Ailyn Carbajal, BBA/MBA ’24, reignited Paola’s faith, and she began to participate in Campus Ministry events, and later was inspired to run and win the coveted position of Student Body President.
“I was teammates with Ailyn for two years and she was just such a light,” Colon said. “You could tell she was on fire for God, and she continued to spread that love of God with our teammates and everyone she interacted with. She pushed me to join a student athlete small group that she had at the time. She took me to church with her. She was just so loving, and you could tell that she just had such a heart for people. I knew I had a teammate that I could rely on.”
While soccer and becoming Student Body President vastly shaped her time at UST, two UST-led mission trips to Honduras would begin to shape her future.
“It was a medical mission, so we would partner with churches that were in more impoverished areas,” she said. “These families lived in basically wooden boxes, and it was really hard to see the environment they were living in, but you could tell that they were just so happy with what they had. They are so grateful that you're serving them, but I really reflect on that experience, and I realize that I came out winning in that sense. Their heart, their faith and their love that they have for others really bleeds on you and then you want to give back. It's an eye-opening experience and I came back grateful.”
Colon’s witness amplifies Catholic Social Teaching (CST), a set of principles derived from the Catholic intellectual tradition that offers a vision and responsibilities for the human person within contemporary social, economic, and political issues. It is a part of the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan for Educating Students for Purpose. Colon’s experience calls on the teaching of the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, which calls on holy people to put the needs of the vulnerable first.
Colon’s next steps are to go to graduate school to be a physician’s assistant and pursue her goal of becoming a medical missionary. Her leadership on campus and her incredible career goal is testament to the power of service, faith, and transformation that she experienced while at UST.
“St. Thomas is such a great faith-based community that everyone has that little spark of love of God that goes a crazy long way,” Colon said. “I think I've been shown that love, so I just want to reciprocate that and give back what St. Thomas gave to me - to share it within my family, in the community, and in mission trips.”
To see a video of Colon’s journey, visit UST MAX Studios YouTube.
Saying “Yes” to Service w/ Fr. Eduardo Rivera
When he first started as a student at the University of St. Thomas, Fr. Eduardo Rivera planned on studying political science, but plans changed quickly. He visited UST for the first time and someone's absence spurred him to explore something new. Still not what he expected, he began the journey of self-discovery while in college.
During his freshman year, he would accompany a friend on a retreat to discern becoming a priest. Just going to show support, he did not expect to discover his own path and that he might be called to something different. At that retreat, he learned that the first step is not as big as you think, and little by little, step by step, he moved deeper into discernment and his vocation as a priest.
In this episode of BOLD, Fr. Eduardo shares that story and talks about what it means for him to return to his Alma Mater and serve as the Campus Chaplain. He talks about the time spent with students and how he is a priest for everyone on campus, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He also shares the interesting story of working at a parish and how it's taught him to journey with others in a profound way.
You also see Fr. Eduardo in his element – in his home. Housed on campus in the Fr. Keon Basilian Residence, Fr. Eduardo gives Host Edgardo Giron and the BOLD team a tour of the place the Basilian’s living on campus call home. He also gives a sneak peak into one of his hobbies – dead lifting.
Sporting some homemade concrete weights and an attitude ready to take on the world, check out Fr. Eduardo’s dead lift … how much weight? Watch the episode to find out.
Learn more about Fr. Eduardo and Campus Ministry.
The Power of Faith, Family, and a Champion’s Mindset w/ Trinity Provost
From a young age, Trinity Provost has had a hunger for winning. Whether dominating on the softball field, excelling on the volleyball court, or breaking records on the track, her athletic drive has always been undeniable. Now, Trinity stands as the celebrated school MVP and track star at the University of St. Thomas-Houston.
Trinity's success story goes beyond mere athletic accomplishments. While her trophy case continues to expand with medals, championships, and broken records, she also focuses on the importance of team building and fostering genuine connections.
Her path to athletic excellence hasn't been without obstacles. Trinity has faced significant injuries and challenges throughout her journey. In the interview she shares a powerful story about an especially difficult time facing injuries in both legs and a bad illness. Trinity talks about how her mom encouraged her to pray about her struggles and ask for God’s help. A few days later, she found her injuries healed and her illness gone.
Trinity embodies the "champion mindset" – applying winning mindset both on and off the field. She explains why she likes track so much: “That’s what I like about track. You’re running forward to what you’re trying to get to, but everything you’re leaving is behind. All that dirt is behind.”
Watch the full episode to hear from Trinity Provost as she shares her inspirational journey from promising young athlete to collegiate champion, revealing valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and maintaining mental toughness when facing life's biggest challenges.
Follow UST Athletics and UST Cross Country and Track & Field.
Traditions, Triumphs: Conversations w/ UST Campus Leader Jaime Pena
Meet Jaime, the ultimate campus leader and go-to guy for events at the University of St. Thomas.
Jaime talks about the extensive leadership opportunities he's taken on at UST, including Vice President of the Campus Activities Board, intern position with Rising Stars, Freshman Symposium Student Ambassador, and many more. He explains how he is motivated to make the college experience memorable for each student.
As a family and tradition-oriented person, Jaime enjoys enhancing the university’s community through incorporating old and new traditions to campus events. He admires his college experience as he has made meaningful connections with all his teams and developed transferable skills. Upon graduating, he hopes to shift his time on his career but remain involved with the university.
In the episode, you'll see what a life filled with UST spirit looks like through Jaime's eyes! It is never too late to get involved and make campus your home. Want to get a head start? Follow Jaime’s advice, “Make at least one friend" and “get involved."
Using Our Catholic Faith to Reclaim Our Mental Health
It is undeniable that social media has changed the way we interact with the world. But not all of those changes are positive. Over the last decade we have seen an increase in mental health struggles across all ages and demographics, from a rise in anxiety and depression to an increase in loneliness. Experts across many disciplines have recognized the growing problems, but what exactly needs to change? And how can a uniquely Catholic perspective help individuals - and wider communities - find authentic happiness?
In this conversation, Darnell Miller, Creative Director of MAX Studios at the University of St. Thomas - Houston, talks to Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and author of the book, "Catholic Mindfulness," about the practical steps we can take to respond to the concerning mental health trends and how our Catholic faith offers us a way forward.
Darnell and Dr. Bottaro discuss the basic roots of the problem and how modern technology exacerbates natural difficulties. They cover how Catholics understand human anthropology and how understanding how we are created can help illuminate what we're made for. They also talk about Dr. Bottaro's first and most important piece of advice for helping adults get out of the negative trend and how parents can try to help their children avoid it as much as possible.
Advent and Christmas Explained (in under 7 minutes)
What do you think about a breakdown of Advent and Christmas in under seven minutes?
Advent is one of the shortest seasons of the Catholic year, but there is a lot of symbolism and theology packed into those 4 weeks (or less!). The energetic Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, tenured Theology professor at the University of St. Thomas – Houston and Director of the Center Semillero for Hispanic/Latino Theology, gives a rich and quick deep dive into the season. Watch and get ready for Christmas in just a few minutes.
Fr. Dempsey emphasizes that the Scripture readings chosen to be read each Sunday at Mass can help us understand the important elements of Advent and Christmas. He reminds us of our Advent journey, how the readings progress through each week to help us investigate our own hearts and minds and understand ourselves in light of Christ.
Fr. Dempsey explains that Advent is all about waiting in joyful hope and preparing ourselves for the coming of our Savior. And as we move into the Christmas season, Fr. Dempsey encourages us to rejoice and clear a space in our hearts for the Lord to stay.
Watch The Great Big Christmas Show.
Check out our Podcasts for Advent Playlist.
Check out our Podcasts for Christmas Playlist.
How does Catholic Education Help the Mission of the Church?
Education has been a pivotal part of Catholic outreach and evangelization for centuries. Today we are sitting down with Monsignor James Shea, President of the University of Mary in Bismarck North Dakota, about how Catholic Education prepares us for living the Mission of the Church.
This is our final installment from the The Cardinal Newman Leadership Summit held at the University of St. Thomas in fall of 2024. In our first episode we asked the questions “Is college is still worth it?” We talked with Kevin Murphy from The Cardinal Newman Society about how college is a pathway for the discernment of God’s will for our life. Then Mark Brumley from Ignatius Press shared some of the key things to think about for those who are specifically looking at a Catholic institution.
In the second episode of the series, we asked “How the Catholic Church Shaped Modern Education?” We talked with Kyle Washut, from Wyoming Catholic College, about the History of Education and how it is intimately entwined with the Catholic Church. Then Dr. Helena Orellana, from the Institute for Psychological Science at Divine Mercy University, explained the role mental health plays in our education system today.
The Secret to Stress Free Nursing School
Arlette Renteria is not your average nursing student at the University of St. Thomas. She takes on the internship with the Rising Stars program and takes on her nursing education with a stress-free mindset. She goes above and beyond and uses multiple calendars and planners, to balance nursing school and her personal life. Whether she needs to organize her academic schedule, family matters, clinical work, or extracurriculars, she remains calm. Despite the challenges she faces, she has never found herself crying over an exam! Arlette explains that self-care and family time help her stay grounded to not be overwhelmed.
Arlette expresses that her family has been the primary inspiration and motivation for her to pursue a career in the medical field. She discovered her passion for nursing by finding joy in taking care of her younger family members. Growing up, she was the go-to person for looking after the babies in the family. Those early experiences sparked a nurturing spirit and led her to pursue a nursing vocation. As she continues her college experience, she has found a successful balance between nursing school and her personal life.
Learn Arlette’s tips and tricks as a nursing student as our host, Edgardo Giron chats with her about staying organized and remaining enthusiastic while pursuing a nursing degree at the University of St. Thomas. Discover how to prepare for a thrilling academic journey in the medical field and even see a sneak peek on how to run a code blue! Whether you are a nursing student, considering joining, or just a college student, Arlette’s story and advice will inspire you to conquer your academic dreams with minimal stress.
Education, family, and faith with Cardinal DiNardo
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, attended the 2024 Duc In Altum Schools Summit held at the University of St. Thomas – Houston (UST). While on campus, he took some time to talk with UST President Dr. Richard Ludwick. Together, they had a conversation about the importance of evangelizing in schools and in homes.
Providing a strong spiritual foundation has always been a hallmark of Catholic education. At the DIA Summit, hundreds of educators gathered to collaborate on new, innovative ways to engage students in their faith. This is a topic of vital importance for both Dr. Ludwick and Cardinal DiNardo.
In their conversation, Cardinal DiNardo and Dr. Ludwick discuss the importance of an excellent and well-rounded education to integrate faith across the curriculum. They also touch on ways educators and parents can highlight beauty and rhetoric for students. And they emphasize the central role parents play in making sure their children receive an excellent education in the faith and beyond.
Life, faith unpacked on the Camino
Fr. Eduardo Rivera is the Campus Chaplain for the University of St. Thomas – Houston (UST). When he agreed to go on the study abroad trip to walk the Camino de Santiago, he knew he would be accompanying a few students and professors, but he didn’t know how the experience would become a metaphor for life – with opportunities for spiritual growth, building community, and finding humor during tough moments.
Before walking the Camino, Fr. Eduardo thought about what to bring and what to leave behind – physically and spiritually. He encouraged all the UST pilgrims to reflect on the baggage they would carry with them because 14+ miles per day is a long way to walk when you’re carrying everything with you, and it’s a long time to be alone with your thoughts and prayers. By the end of the 80-mile trek, Fr. Eduardo and his fellow pilgrims had found new lessons to take home.
In this episode, Fr. Eduardo shares his own experiences as a pilgrim on the Camino and his unique position as the chaplain to see the growth among the other members of the UST group.
Fr. Eduardo’s story about prayer and discernment.
Dalia’s Episode about finding support and encouragement on the Camino.
