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Brother
Alan Harrod
Position:
Vocations Director
Location:
Uganda, East Africa
Date of Birth: 1943
Brother Alan Harrod joined Holy Cross when he was 18. Now in
his late 40s, he appreciates the opportunities provided by
Holy Cross to work with young people both in the United States
and in Africa. No matter where he is, he finds that the
youthful enthusiasm of his students keeps him feeling young.
| "We
had no language labs, overhead projectors or even text
books. But those kids were so hungry to learn that the
chalkboard--and I--sufficed." |
Here
is his story . . .
I
joined Holy Cross as an 18-year-old. The ink was barely dry on
my high school diploma! When I finished my bachelor’s degree,
I was assigned to Holy Cross High School in Flushing. I was
one of the youngest Brothers on the faculty and barely older
than some of my students.
I
stayed at Holy Cross for six and a half years. Those first
years were not easy--at one point, I had six classes a day
with 45 students in each class. But, the hard work was offset
by the enthusiasm that comes from being surrounded by youth.
No Matter What Age—It’s the Attitude That Counts
In 1972, I was asked by the Provincial Superior to go
to Washington, DC, as director of the local community. I also
began a wonderful career of 17 years at Mackin High School. I
began as a young man of 29 and ended as a middle-aged man of
46. But, I was always around young people, full of enthusiasm.
I also worked with homebound and elderly parishioners at St.
Augustine’s Parish. I learned from the elders I ministered to
that years aren’t so important. It is a positive attitude that
counts.
My
time at Mackin ended when the school closed. In my last four
years there, I worked as vice principal and director of
studies. Because of the troubles caused by the drug epidemic
in Washington and other social problems caused by poverty and
racism, I found that most of the school day was spent
counseling students. My administrative work had to wait for
weekends and evenings. The closing of Mackin was very
difficult, but then came another call to work with youth--this
time in East Africa.
Following a Call to Teach and Serve Youth in Africa
During the 1989-90 academic year, I went on
sabbatical. A wonderful part of that sabbatical was a visit to
Uganda. It was a new beginning for me in a place just
brimming with youth and energy. In Uganda, a man of 46 years
is an elder. Young people have great respect for elders and
that has helped me to be a bit “youthful” myself.
I
spent a year in Fort Portal and enjoyed teaching French to
high school students. We had no language labs, overhead
projectors or even textbooks. But, those kids were so hungry
to learn that the chalkboard and I sufficed. Then, I was asked
to go to Jinja, Uganda as director of the candidacy program
for Holy Cross. It was a wonderful seven years. The youthful
enthusiasm of our students and candidates kept me feeling
young, at least on the inside.
After that assignment, I was asked to assume the duties of
vocations director for the Congregation in East Africa. Now, I
feel a little like the “Pied Piper” sometimes because lots of
people in East Africa want to see the vocations director. I
have visits from young people in the parish almost everyday.
And, I do a lot of visiting myself. My work is fulfilling
because there are fine young men who want to join Holy Cross
and serve the Lord.
Sometimes, after a long journey, I will admit to feeling a bit
tired. But, the young people I meet and serve still energize
me.
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