Young Adult Spotlight: Nicolette Agresta
"Before the National "Preaching in Action" conference, I often judged myself and others and wondered why I was quite unhappy and negative. During the conference, I was able to re-learn how each and every one of us are a part of God’s creation and we are unique. Being unique means being different, and being different is not a bad thing. We would live in a terribly boring world if we were all exactly the same as everyone else."
Nicolette Agresta
DYM USA College Conference Alumna
The Dominican Young Adults (DYA) has been a part of my life for five years now. I am blessed to have many opportunities to broaden the foundation of my faith and learn how important it is for me to follow in St. Dominic’s footsteps. When I think of St. Dominic I think of the four pillars of Dominican Spirituality: Prayer, Community, Study & Service. I considered those pillars to be completely separate until I was able to truly know and live as St. Dominic lived.
I participated in the Preaching in Action Conference in May of 2018. Not only did the experience change my relationship with God, but my outlook on life and how I perceive the world. Before the conference, I often judged myself and others and wondered why I was quite unhappy and negative. During the conference, I was able to re-learn how each and every one of us are a part of God’s creation and we are unique. Being unique means being different, and being different is not a bad thing. We would live in a terribly boring world if we were all exactly the same as everyone else.
In 2019, I was beyond blessed to travel to Puerto Rico with DYA and serve in a local community. As a small group, we were able to help restore an old school that is now a housing facility for families after their homes were destroyed in a hurricane. We cleaned, prepped and painted railings and rooms. We renovated a common room and repurposed it as a music room for the youth of the community.
From a local teenage farmer, we learned how composting upcycles reusable scraps to create nutritious soil for plants to grow. The young man showed us how he caught and stored rainwater in bins. He showed us how he irrigated his plants by connecting his sprinkler system to the water containers. With his knowledge and faith, he provides a great service to his community, as did St. Dominic.
After participating in this service trip, I saw how our group became a part of their community. I was able to learn about their culture and the environment without letting God’s presence stray from the conversation. The locals, we came to call our friends, were not ashamed of their faith and showed how simple it is to share prayer with others.
This past year, God has been deeply rooted in my marriage. Faith has become the most important aspect of our relationship. Collin and I keep the Lord as the foundation of our relationship. We strengthen our bond, by praying over each other, and sharing scriptures with one another on a daily basis.
Similarly, I could not imagine being without God as a partner in my business. I am a health coach, and enjoy serving others and watching them grow into the individuals God is calling them to be. There are times when I struggle and doubt my progress. I know that God is always with me as he guides me in the right direction.
Through my experiences with DYA, I am now aware that the pillars Prayer, Community, Study and Service are the key components that connect me with my faith. With these pillars now incorporated in my life, I am able to improve and grow in my faith in all areas of my life.
Join us for our upcoming presentation, "Homeless in America"
Join us on Thursday night 5/19 @ 7:30 pm EST for a presentation on “Homeless in America,” the CONTINUOUS epidemic of our time!
Dale Williams, the Executive Director of midnightrun.org, will join us to speak of his experience of being homeless, give us some info on the homeless situation in NYC and other big cities, and help us understand the how, the who and the why’s of this nationwide epidemic. He will also speak to us about the Midnight Run program and how we might get involved!