BY MELLISA SIEGLER
STAFF WRITER
Elise Zajicek, a senior theology and catecetics major from Appleton, Wisconsin, embodies all of the values that Catholics and Franciscan University students strive to live out. She is a hardworking student, a dedicated member of the Franciscan community, fiercely strong in her faith and unfailingly kind.
This passion for her faith as well as her love for youth ministry work truly exhibit what Franciscan University is all about: enthusiastically and joyfully living the Catholic faith.
Zajicek has been a very active member of the Franciscan community. She was a member of Franciscan’s cross country team all four years, a sister in Servants of the Eucharistic Heart household and a leader for Edge Youth Group.
While working for past two years with middle school students in Edge Youth Group, Zajicek has spent time with the kids playing games, teaching lessons and leading small groups and retreats.
When asked about who inspires her, she said, “A lot of the professors and especially Fr. Gregory because he’s the cross country chaplain. He really helped me build up my faith even if he didn’t realize it.”
Some of Zajicek’s favorite things about being a Baron are household life and Franciscan’s intramural program, particularly ultimate Frisbee.
After graduation, Zajicek hopes to continue with youth ministry work, looking at positions in both Wisconsin and with the St. Augustinian Order doing different outreaches throughout the United States.
She has also been taking strides toward her dream of opening a coffee shop and bookstore with a good friend. She hopes to minister to the customers and bring the Catholic faith to the community.